Arezzo, a charming Tuscan city rich in character, is not only known for its history and gastronomy, but also for its vibrant cultural traditions. The city comes alive with events rooted in centuries-old customs, offering visitors engaging entertainment and locals a renewed sense of identity and community.
Among the most iconic events is the Giostra del Saracino, a chivalric joust that reenacts medieval challenges and draws in countless visitors each year, eager to experience a journey back in time.

This historical reenactment takes place twice a year: the Giostra di San Donato, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, is held on the penultimate Saturday of June in a nighttime edition, while the second edition is held on the first Sunday of September, during the day.
As the June event approaches, let’s dive into the history, traditions, and curiosities surrounding the Giostra del Saracino.

What are the historical origins of the Giostra del Saracino?

The Giostra del Saracino traces its roots back to the Middle Ages, when knightly tournaments were not only festive occasions but also served as military training exercises. The earliest record of such a tournament in Arezzo dates back to the 13th century, when grand chivalric events were held in Piazza Grande. These tournaments were a way to prepare knights for battle against the Saracens—hence the name of the joust.

Over the centuries, the Giostra evolved. During the Renaissance, baroque-style jousts became popular and were often held to celebrate visits by important figures or to mark significant civil events like noble weddings. However, these traditions eventually faded and disappeared by the 18th century. A short revival occurred in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until 1931 that the Giostra del Saracino was officially restored in its current form, as a historical reenactment set in the 14th century.

Where can you see the Giostra del Saracino?

As mentioned, the Giostra takes place in Piazza Grande. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Tickets to attend the event can be purchased at various locations throughout the city, with different price ranges depending on seating preferences. Beyond the stands, visitors can soak up the atmosphere of the Giostra by strolling through the historic center, which comes alive with parades, flag throwers, and celebrations in each contrada (neighborhood).

How does the Giostra del Saracino competition work?

Arezzo is divided into four historic Quartieri, each with its own colors and symbols:

• Porta Crucifera (also known as “Colcitrone”): red and green
• Porta del Foro: yellow and crimson
• Porta Sant’Andrea: white and green.
• Porta Santo Spirito: yellow and blue

Each Quartiere enters two knights, known as giostratori, who compete by aiming their lance at the Buratto. It’s a rotating dummy representing the “King of the Indies,” symbol of the Saracen enemy.
The Giostra is also known as Giostra ad burattum due to this target, which is placed in the center of the track and is the focal point of the competition.
The goal is to strike the highest-scoring area on the Buratto’s shield with the lance while avoiding the rotating mace that strikes back. The Quartiere with the highest overall score wins the coveted Lancia d’Oro, a prestigious trophy symbolizing honor and supremacy.

The historical parade and costumes

One of the most captivating aspects of the Giostra is the grand historical parade that precedes the competition.
Over 350 participants, dressed in medieval garments, parade through the streets of the historic center to the sound of drums and trumpets, creating a magical atmosphere that transports you back in time.
The costumes are crafted with great attention to detail, inspired by period paintings and frescoes, enhancing the authenticity of the reenactment.

Preparation and training of the jousters

Being selected as a giostratore is a great honor and requires intense training. The lance used in the tournament is a wooden weapon weighing around 3 kg. Each knight must handle it with strength and precision to strike the Buratto accurately and earn the highest points.
Thus, jousters must master both riding skills and precise control of the lance. Their training involves exercises to improve coordination, strength, and focus.

The Giostra atmosphere and culinary traditions

Beyond the jousting competition, the Giostra del Saracino is a moment to dive into the heart of Arezzo’s traditions. During the event, the historic center buzzes with performances, quartiere dinners, and medieval reenactments.
These dinners, known as cene propiziatorie, are held in the days leading up to the event to boost morale and bring good luck to the jousters. They’re also a chance to taste traditional Tuscan cuisine. Menus often include classics like lasagna and steak, but also regional specialties such as:

• Pici al sugo d’anatra, a rustic and flavorful duck sauce pasta.
• Peposo alla fornacina, a long-cooked beef stew with red wine and black pepper.
• Crostini toscani, with chicken liver pâté.
• Fagioli all’uccelletto, beans stewed with tomato and sage.

These meals are best enjoyed with a good local wine—like robust Chianti Aretino—perfectly paired with the rich Tuscan flavors.

Experience the Giostra del Saracino with Castello di Gargonza

If you want to make your Giostra experience even more special, consider staying at Castello di Gargonza, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress nestled in the Tuscan hills. Here, you can enjoy the authentic charm of a historic village, relax in a unique setting, and savor true Tuscan cuisine before heading into the vibrant heart of the Giostra.
This way, your entire experience will follow a single thread: a journey through time filled with tradition, history, and wonder.

Book your stay and enjoy an unforgettable adventure of history, culture, and spectacle. We look forward to welcoming you to Castello di Gargonza!