Calcio Storico , Italy

Calcio Storico happens to be one of the most unusual and ancient outdoor games played and celebrated till date. The town of Piazza Santa Croce of Florence city was the epicenter of this sport which was known by the name of giuoco del calcio florentino (Florentine kick game) or simply calcio (kick).

Steeped in almost 500 years of tradition and described loosely as a mix between football and rugby - with a good dose of bare-knuckle boxing added to the mix, Calcio Storico is a game not for the faint hearted. First started in the year 1530, this game faded out during 18th century. But, it was restored in the 20th century and since then it is observed as an associate event in accordance with the celebration of St. John's Day (the Patron Saint of Florence).

In earlier time, the rules and proceedings of the game was a bit different. But, in recent times, the festival celebrations include three matches played each year. The modern version allows tactics such as head-butting, punching, elbowing, and choking, but forbids sucker punching and kicks to the head. Winners are rewarded in heaps of steak equivalent in weight to the traditional prize of a white calf that was historically butchered for the occasion.