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The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo is onechivalric competition in costume, of medieval origin, among the four neighborhoods into which the city is divided. It is the most important event in the city and during the Giosta week, Arezzo is filled with people and events in the various streets and squares of the historic centre, giving the city a unique and very suggestive atmosphere.
The challenge is set in the 14th century and consists of hitting a target, positioned in the Buratto's shield, with a spear during a career (fast gallop) on horseback. Each district has the right to two careers, one for each available knight, at the end of which the scores are added and the winning district of the Joust is elected.
The oldest evidence of a Saracen Joust in Arezzo dates back to 1260, on the occasion of Ildebrandino Gratasca's investiture as Knight. Nowadays the re-enactment of the Saracen normally takes place twice a year always in Piazza Grande:
- the penultimate Saturday of June, at night, for the carousel dedicated to the city's patron saint San Donato;
- the first Sunday of September for the carousel dedicated to the Madonna del Conforto, protector of Arezzo;
During the week before and after the event, costumed parties and events take place in the various neighborhoods of the city.
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The Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo is a chivalrous competition in costume, of medieval origin, between the four districts in which the city is divided. It is the most important event in the city and during the Giosta week, Arezzo is filled with people and events in the various streets and squares of the historic center, giving the city
