Giostra dell’Orso and San Jacopo celebrations in Pistoia

In a week time there is the traditional Bear Joust in Pistoia on July 25th.

A bit of history

Giostra dell’Orso is a medieval Joust that ends the celebrations of San Jacopo, Pistoia city patrons on July 25th. It dates back to 1200 when it was one of the most famous Palios in Italy and several important knights came from all over to participate. Since then it was held almost every year except during wars, epidemics or internal political disorders. It had been suspended for about 30 years just before the start of First World War and brought back in 1947 when it took the actual name of Bear Joust.

Originally the horse race was a rich competition and the prize, the palio, was a precious fabric with silver and gold decorations and was painted by famous painters during the Renaissance. The race track was a long straight, that was later joined to a round track held in Piazza San Francesco on July 26th for the celebrations of San Bartolomeo.

The Joust today

Today Giostra dell’Orso is held in the magnificent Piazza del Duomo in the center of Pistoia. The Joust is played by twelve knights, three for each of the four city districts named after the old town gates Porta al Borgo, Porta Carricata, Porta Lucchese and Porta San Marco.

The knights ride trying to hit the target made up of the figures of two bears and every time they hit the target they are assigned a score. At the end the winner is honored with the title of “Cavaliere sperone d’oro di Pistoia e contado”, i.e. The Cavalier of the Golden Spur of Pistoia.

The Joust and San Jacopo celebrations

San Jacopo is the beloved city patron of Pistoia and celebrations last for a week and end with the Joust on July 25th. On Saturday July 21st there is the Dressing of San Jacopo at 6.30pm, when a red cloak is put onto the shoulders of San Jacopo statue on top of the Duomo, whose facade is decorated with fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers according to ancient traditions.

On Sunday and Monday night at 9pm there are the jousts trials, while on Tuesday night there is the medieval dinner in the garden of Villa Vivarelli and at 11pm great fireworks.

On Wednesday from 10am the colorful costume pageant walks around the streets arriving about 11 to the Duomo for solemn celebrations. At 7.45 pm the knights and the pageant visit the headquarter of last year winner and then go to Piazza Duomo. The joust starts at 9.30pm.

Other details

Tickets cost 22 euro per person seated and 8 euro per person standing. They can be bought at the Tourist Office in Piazza Duomo every day from 10am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 6pm. For more information visit the official Giostra dell’Orso.