Giostra del Saracino

The Giostra del Saracino of Arezzo is a chivalric competition in costume , of medieval origin, among the four districts of which the city is divided. The challenge is set in the fourteenth century and consists of hitting a target, positioned in the shield of the Buratto, with a spear during a career (fast galloping) on ​​horseback.

Each district has the right to two careers , one for each available rider, at the end of which the scores are added and the winning district of the Giostra is elected. The earliest evidence of a Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo dates back to 1260, on the occasion of the investiture of Cavalliere di Ildebrandino Gratasca.

Nowadays the re-enactment of the Saracino takes place normally twice a year always in Piazza Grande:

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

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