Giostra del Saracino

The Giostra del Saracino of Sarteano originates from the ancient and bloody jousting tournaments that have taken place several times since the time of Charlemagne and then the Crusades, with the deadly duels, which provided narrative and imaginary support to the Chansons de Geste, as well as to other epic poems of chivalry. The competition is, in fact, an evolutionary transformation of the tournament, in which the opponent was replaced by a symbolic puppet that served as the target. The puppet wielded an offensive weapon (usually a flail) capable of striking, by a sudden turn on itself, the knight who missed the shot or the assault. However, apart from this transformation, the Giostra has always retained an ideal meaning of the eternal dualism: the struggle between good and evil, pure love and blind hatred, believers and unbelievers, represented by the fair and valiant knight, and by the mocking and deceitful Saracen, recalling the raids carried out throughout Italy until the end of the 18th century.

As we learn from the research carried out in the City Archives, this event has continued for centuries.

The events begin on August 11, with the “Tratta dei Bossoli” [Brasses’ Trade], a night show during which, between water and fire games, flag and drums rolls, you will attend the extraction of the competition order of the five Districts, as well as the presentation of the Palio (i.e., the embroidered tapestry given as a prize).

August 14 is the day of “La Provaccia“, during which the jousters probe the competition field and refine the various techniques. On August 15, after a fascinating historical parade in costumes made up of over 200 people, the Giostra del Saracino will finally start.