LAST SUNDAY OF JUNE

(& FIRST SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER)

GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO

Saracen Jousting

Arezzo

The medieval sport of jousting was revived here in 1931, with contests in the Piazza Grande.

In the competition, teams from the four quarters of the town, Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta S. Andrea and Porta S. Spirito, attempt to strike the Buratto, a figure representing a Muslim warrior, that spins dangerously when hit.

Before that there’s a flag-waving exhibition accompanied by drum rolls and the sound of clarion and the entire historical court parades into the Piazza.

The victorious neighbourhood receives the Golden Lance, which they bear triumphantly to their headquarters and carry around the city together with all the Golden Lances won in years past.

When they reach the church of Santa Maria della Pieve, the Te Deum mass is celebrated, followed by a victory dinner.