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The ancient Giostra di Saracino or Joust of the Saracens held in Arezzo. It is an annual medieval festival with jousting, marching and costumed processions.

In this tournament, knights on horseback representing different areas of the town charge at a wooden target attached to a carving of a Saracen king and score points according to accuracy.

The four Quarters participate in tournament in which the city is subdivided. The four Quarters are: the Quarter of Crucifera Door, the Quarter of Door of the Hole, the Quarter of Sant' Door Andrea and the Saint Quarter of Door Spirito.

The tournament is carried out in the afternoon in the precious frame of Large Public square, with the sound of bugles and tambourines.

It is a very spectacular and choreographic show with interesting arms and horse riding tournament fighting against a huge armor-plated robot, called the Saracino.

The competitors ride at high speed towards the robot and hit it with a lance, trying to get the best score possible and using their shields to avoid getting hit by the blow that the Saracino tries to give them as it spins on a pivot.

The district whose team obtains the best score wins the competition. This tournament dates back to the 13th century, and continued to grow in development in the succeeding centuries.

The first document dates from 6th August 1535; other testimonies of Giostra di Saracino go back to 1536 and 1556 when, through the tournament, it is believed to honor the visit of the duke of Florence, Alexander and Cosmo I. At the end of the month the International Massed Choir Competition Guido d'Arezzo is held. It is one of the most important competitions of this kind in Europe and groups and choruses of many countries in the world take part in it.

Competitions take place in the magnificent Petrarca Theatre with international judges.

The Giostra of the Saracino carries out with the sponsorship of the European Parliament and the high patronage of the head of the State.

For more information visit

• Giostra di Saracino Arezzo