The Saracen Joust

On Saturday June 23rd there is the June edition of the Saracen Joust in Arezzo. It’s going to be double this year on September 2nd.

A bit of history

This joust used to be an exercise for military training. It dates back to the Middles Ages and was used to simulate the war. A knight with his spear had to fight an armor-plated dummy, that was called the Saracen at that time.

It was then played on a regular basis between the 16th century and the end of the 17th century and became an important event, that took place also during the visit of important authorities. During the 18th century the joust declined and then disappeared. The Saracen Joust, as we see it nowadays, was then established in 1931 as a form of historical re-enactment.

Program of Saracen Joust in June 2012

The day of the Joust starts at 7am with the first shot of mortar and goes on with the second shot at 11am, announcing the exit of the Herald, while the proclamation of the joust challenge is read to the public. Then the colorful costume parade departs from Palazzo dei Priori and arrived to Piazza San Francesco.

At 7pm the third shot of mortar announced the blessing of the jousters and other figures. Then at 7.30 all the figures in costume gather together in Piazza San Domenico. At the forth mortar’s shot the parade departs for the Duomo passing by Via Sassoverde and Via Ricasoli, where the Bishop of Arezzo blesses the parade and the jousters. At 8.30pm the parade departs to reach Piazza Grande passing by Via Ricasoli, Via dei Pileati, Corso Italia, Via Roma, Piazza G. Monaco, Via G. Monaco, Piazza S. Francesco, Via Cavour, Via Mazzini, Via Borgunto.

At 9.30pm the fifth mortar’s shot announces the flag-throwers show. After the show all the figures come into the field and then the joust starts with the eight jousters challenge each other. And only the best wins!

Details

The Joust is held in the beautiful Piazza Grande in the center of Arezzo. Tickets are sold at Teatro Comunale Pietro Aretino in via Bicchieraia 32 in Arezzo. Depending on the place tickets cost from 50€ for the central tribune to 6€ for the field standing. Children under 4 are free and get reduced fare from 4 to 12 years old.

For more information visit the official website of the Saracen Joust.