Giostra del Saracino – Giostra della Madonna del Conforto 2023

Giostra della Madonna del Conforto 2023, the second act of Giostra del Saracino 2023, held in honour of Our Lady of Comfort, will take place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Piazza Grande, in Arezzo.

Giostra del Saracino (Saracen Joust) is one of the most important historical reenactment events in Italy, held twice a year in Arezzo.

The festival takes place on the penultimate Saturday in June, during the evening, under the title of Giostra di San Donato, and on the first Sunday of September, during the day, under the name of Giostra della Madonna del Conforto.

The four Quarters of the city which compete in the tournament are Porta Crucifera, also known as Colcitrone, Porta del Foro, also known as Porta San Lorentino, Porta Sant’Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito, also known as Quartiere della Colombina.

SHORT HISTORY

The oldest information about a knightly tournament in Arezzo dates back to 1260, when it was celebrated the investiture of a knight of the order of the Golden Spur in Piazza Grande.

Later, in 1331, two letters sent by the Tarlati, Lords of Arezzo, mention tournaments with spears held in the city, to celebrate the success of a diplomatic mission in France.

At the end of the 15th century, two tournaments are also mentioned, in 1491 and 1492, held on the day of the patron saint of the city.

The Joust was later consecrated in the Renaissance era. On August 6, 1535, Arezzo authorities decided to held a joust on the occasion of the feast of Saint Donatus.

The tournament was regularly held in Arezzo between the 16th century and the end of the 17th century, after which the tradition declined progressively during the 18th century.

Today, Giostra del Saracino is disputed in medieval costumes from the 14th century, in memory of the magnificent times of the free commune of Arezzo.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• 7.00 am – First cannon salute;
• 10.30 am – Departure of the Municipal Foot Soldiers and Valets from the Cathedral of Saints Donatus and Peter;
• 11.00 am – Second cannon salute; the Joust Procession, with 350 costumed musicians, flag bearers, participants and horses, begins;
• 2.00 pm – Third cannon salute; the blessing of the knights;
• 2.30 pm – Parade assembly in Piazza San Domenico, in front of the Basilica of Saint Dominic;
• 3.00 pm – Fourth cannon salute;
• 3.15 pm – Blessing of the teams by the Bishop of Arezzo;
• 3.30 pm – Grand parade through the historical center of the city, ending in Piazza Grande;
• 5.00 pm – Fifth cannon salute; the Joust begins.