A knightly tournament that has its roots in the Middle Ages, an event of great tourist and cultural appeal. One of the main Italian historical reenactments and a symbolic event of the city of Arezzo.
The Joust of the Saracen (Giostra del Saracino) is an equestrian tournament that is held twice a year, in June and September, in the beautiful setting of Piazza Vasari (the Piazza Grande of Arezzo)
– the penultimate Saturday of June, at night, dedicated to San Donato, patron saint of Arezzo, and for this reason called “Giostra di San Donato”;
– the first Sunday of the month of September, during the day, dedicated to the sacred image of the Madonna del Conforto, protector of Arezzo, and for this reason called “Giostra della Madonna del Conforto”.
Two knights for each of the Four districts run the career (the knight’s race towards the target) against the simulacrum of the Saracen (Buratto king of the Indies) and, hitting his Shield with the lance, they try to mark the best score. The Race must also be completed within a time limit beyond which one is penalized.
The Giostra is played in Medieval Costume (14th century), in memory of its Magnificence at the time of the free commune, but presumably it had already been held in Arezzo since the 13th century.
It is an ancient chivalric competition, which has its origins in the Middle Ages and which consists of hitting a target, placed on the shield that Buratto (a rotating automaton that impersonates the “King of the Indies”) holds on his left arm, with a thrust of a lance at the end of a fast career on horseback.
All this must happen without being hit by the flail, held by the Buratto himself in his right arm, which is activated by a spring mechanism that increases the rotation action already impressed by the strike of the knight.
The District that has obtained the highest score wins the “Golden Lance” a true art object that in the handle for each edition “narrates” facts or characters that have contributed to making the city of Arezzo great.
This event takes place every year on the penultimate Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September
Free Event
For information, dates and the progress of the Event, visit the site indicated at the end of the article
The events reported may be subject to changes or cancellations.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and dates
A Museum has also been dedicated to the Tournament “I Colori della Giostra” which can be visited every day. An immersive exhibition path dedicated to the Giostra del Saracino.
Giostra del Saracino
Piazza Vasari
Arezzo
Tuscany – Italy
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