The Giostra del Saracino, or Joust of the Saracens, is a captivating chivalric tournament deeply rooted in the Medieval history of Arezzo. Held twice a year, on the third Saturday in June and the first Sunday in September, this event transports visitors back to the era of knights and noble competitions. It's a spectacle that combines tradition, skill, and pageantry, drawing crowds from far and wide.
Spectacle
The highlight of the Giostra del Saracino is the jousting competition, where knights representing different neighborhoods (contrade) engage in a display of bravery and horsemanship. Clad in armor, each knight charges towards a target, aiming to strike it with a lance while avoiding the swings of an armored automaton representing a Saracen. The atmosphere is electric as spectators cheer on their favorite competitors, witnessing the clash of steel and the thundering hooves of horses.
Programming
Both the June and September editions of the Giostra del Saracino share several similarities in their programming. In both instances, the festivities commence with a ceremonial mortar shot at 7 am, followed by the withdrawal of the Infantrymen of the Municipality and the Valet of the Golden Lance from the Cathedral at 10:30 am. Additionally, both months feature a second mortar shot at 11 am, marking the beginning of a grand procession through the city, stopping at significant landmarks along the way. The revered Golden Lance finds its temporary home in the Signa Arretii headquarters by midday in both editions.
June Edition (June 22)
However, there are notable differences between the two editions. In June, the day progresses with blessings bestowed upon jousters and armed men at neighborhood churches, followed by a gathering at Piazza S. Domenico. The evening culminates in a majestic parade to the Duomo, followed by thrilling jousts against Saracino in Piazza Grande, concluding with the delivery of the Golden Lance to the victorious neighborhood and a solemn Te Deum in the Cathedral.
September Edition (September 1)
In contrast, the September edition features blessings at various neighborhood churches in the afternoon, leading to a gathering at Piazza S. Domenico. As dusk falls, the evening festivities commence with a fifth mortar shot, igniting a grand historical procession in Piazza Grande, where flag-wavers and knights assemble for exhilarating jousts. The night concludes with the Golden Lance awarded to the triumphant neighborhood and a reverent Te Deum echoing in the Cathedral, marking the end of the day's celebrations.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2024 Giostra del Saracino are still available for the September event, but only for residents outside the province of Arezzo. The deadline for booking tickets for the June event has passed. For the September edition, 150 tickets are up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices vary depending on the seating location, ranging from 30 to 100 euros. Additionally, there are special rates for children and seniors.
Getting There and Parking
Getting to Arezzo is straightforward by car, train, or bus. For those driving, access via the A1 motorway is convenient, with exits north and south of the city. Arezzo's central railway station offers daily connections via Intercity and Freccia Rossa trains from Florence, Rome, and beyond. ETRURIA MOBILITA buses provide easy access from all over Italy and neighboring valleys. Parking options near the event area include multi-story car parks like Mecenate, Piazza del Popolo, and others, offering various rates and distances from the fairgrounds. Near the historic center, camper travelers can find free parking, such as Pietri and Tarlati, which are also close to equipped areas for water loading.
History
The history of the Giostra del Saracino dates back centuries, with mentions even in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Originally, this tournament was held in Arezzo from the 16th till the end of the 18th century; that's when some impressive jousts in baroque style were organized. It marked the visits of important guests, such as sovereigns and princes, and public festivals like carnivals and weddings. In the 18th century, the joust eventually disappeared to reappear only in 1904 due to the Middle Ages reappraisal. It was officially reinstated in 1931 and has been celebrated annually since then, except during wartime.
