The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo is acostume knightly competition, of medieval origin, among the four neighborhoods in which the city is divided. It is the most important event in the city and during the week of the Giosta, Arezzo is filled with people and demonstrations in the various streets and squares of the historic center, giving the city a unique and very suggestive atmosphere.

The challenge is set in the 14th century and consists of hitting a target, positioned in the Shield of the Puppet, with a spear during a career (fast galloped) on horseback. Each district is entitled to two careers, one for each available knight, at the end of which the scores are added and the winning district of the Carousel is elected.

The oldest testimony of a Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo dates back to 1260, on the occasion of the investiture in Cavalliere of Ildebrandino Gratasca. Now that the re-enactment of Saracino normally takes place twice a year always in Piazza Grande:

• the penultimate Saturday of June, at night, for the joust dedicated to the patron saint of the city San Donato;
• on the first Sunday of September for the joust dedicated to the Madonna del Conforto protector of Arezzo;

During the week before and after the event, parties and costume events take place in the various districts of the city.

Online references:

• giostradelsaracinoarezzo.it

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