The Giostra del Saracino is Arezzo's medieval jousting tournament, held in the city's sloping Piazza Grande, also known as Piazza Vasari. The event takes place twice each year: once on the penultimate Saturday of June and again on the first Sunday of September. Because these dates shift annually, the exact calendar is only confirmed by the organisers in advance.
When is the Giostra del Saracino?
The Giostra del Saracino is held twice a year in Arezzo: the June edition, known as the Giostra di San Donato, takes place on the penultimate Saturday of June in the evening. The September edition, called the Giostra della Madonna del Conforto, occurs on the first Sunday of September as a daytime event.
In 2026, the June edition falls on June 20 and the September edition on September 6, as confirmed on the official website. Since these dates follow a fixed recurrence rule, they can be calculated for any year, but always verify with official announcements.
How to Confirm Current-Year Dates
For the most reliable confirmation of dates and schedules, consult the official Giostra del Saracino website, which publishes a calendar of events. The official site provides updates on the June and September editions, including any changes to the recurrence rule.
The Day of the Giostra: Step by Step
The day begins early with the first mortar shot at 7:00 am, announcing that it is the day of the joust. The streets and squares fill with visitors, and quarter members gather with flags and scarves.
At 11:00 am, a second mortar shot signals the start of the parade, during which the herald reads the 'Bando' from the Palazzo del Comune. The parade moves from Palazzo dei Priori, with representatives of the four quarters and the city, along with the trophy bearers.
The herald reads the proclamation at several key points: in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria, in Piazza San Michele, and in Piazza San Francesco, marking the official announcement of the joust.
Morning Rituals and Historical Parade
The third mortar shot calls the armed participants to their quarter churches for blessing. Each quarter gathers at its designated church: Porta Crucifera at Santa Croce, Porta del Foro at San Domenico, Porta Sant'Andrea at Sant'Agostino, and Porta Santo Spirito at Piazza San Jacopo.
After individual blessings, the entire procession, comprising 387 figures and 31 horses in 14th-century costume, assembles in Piazza San Domenico. The fourth mortar shot leads them to the Cathedral for the bishop's blessing, after which they proceed to Piazza Grande.
The Joust in Piazza Grande
The fifth mortar shot announces the entrance into Piazza Grande, which occurs at 9:30 pm for the June edition and at 5:00 pm for the September edition. After the anthem is played, the jousters take turns charging at the Buratto, a wooden automaton representing the Saracen king.
Each of the four quarters—Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito—fields two jousters who aim to strike the Buratto's shield with their lances. The shield is divided into scoring zones from 1 to 5 points, and the quarter with the highest total wins the Lancia d'Oro trophy.
If scores are tied after the eight regular runs, a playoff round is held among the tied quarters. The entire event recalls the medieval Christian struggles against the East, with the Buratto symbolizing the enemy.
Plan Your Visit
When planning your trip, check the official website for the confirmed dates well ahead of time, as the event draws large crowds. For more detailed information on the event's history and traditions, consult our comprehensive Giostra del Saracino Arezzo guide.
Seating in Piazza Grande is limited and often booked in advance; see our guide to Giostra del Saracino tickets and seating for practical advice. For those interested in the parade route, we also offer a dedicated page on the Giostra del Saracino parade route and viewing.
The September edition coincides with the Fiera di San Donato, a traditional fair in Arezzo, making it a lively time to visit. To understand the rivalry and community spirit behind the event, read our explanation of the four quartieri of Arezzo.
Final Tips
The Giostra del Saracino is a deeply rooted tradition that brings medieval Arezzo to life. To ensure you don't miss out, mark the recurrence rule on your calendar and confirm exact dates on the official website each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Giostra del Saracino in 2026?
In 2026, the Giostra del Saracino takes place on the penultimate Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September. Based on the recurrence rule, these dates are June 20 and September 6, 2026, but always verify with official announcements.
What time does the Giostra del Saracino start?
The start time varies by edition. The June edition is an evening event, with the joust typically beginning around 21:30. The September edition is a daytime event, starting around 17:00. The day's earlier ceremonies begin as early as 7:00 with a mortar shot.
How often does the Giostra del Saracino take place?
The Giostra del Saracino is held twice a year, on the penultimate Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September. This recurrence is fixed, though exact dates change annually.
What is the schedule of events on the day of the Giostra?
The day begins with a mortar shot at 7:00, followed by a second shot at 11:00 for the reading of the Bando and the start of the historical parade. After individual quarter blessings and a cathedral blessing, the procession enters Piazza Grande, and the joust begins.
