Giostra del Saracino – June Night Edition
The night-time challenge of the eight knights against the Buratto in Piazza Grande
About June Giostra del Saracino
The Giostra del Saracino, the soul of Arezzo
The Giostra del Saracino is the most famous historical re-enactment in Arezzo, the capital of the province of the same name in Tuscany, with roots deep in medieval chivalric culture. Twice a year, in June and September, the city is transformed: streets, palaces, and workshops return to the 14th century, district flags wave, and all of Arezzo rallies around a tournament that is simultaneously a sporting challenge, a popular festival, and a symbol of local identity.
The June night edition
The June edition, titled after Saint Donatus, the city's patron saint, is traditionally held on the penultimate Saturday of the month and features a unique characteristic: it takes place at night. As the sun sets behind the city rooftops, Piazza Grande glows with lights, and the famous jousting track becomes a dramatic stage, amplifying every emotion. The 149th edition is scheduled for 2026, marking the 95th Jousting Year since the modern revival of the event.
How the challenge works
The four historic districts of the city take to the field: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito. Eight knights, two per district, gallop along the track to strike the shield of the Buratto, the automaton representing the King of the Indies, with their lances. Upon impact, the Buratto rotates, threatening the knight with its flail: precision and courage are everything. The district with the highest score wins the Golden Lance, a unique work of art that celebrates a different figure or episode of Aretine history each year.
The historical pageant
Before the competition, a spectacle within a spectacle takes place: the historical pageant. Approximately 700 participants in 14th-century costumes—knights, ladies, flag-wavers, drummers, musicians, archers, and representatives of noble families—parade through the historic center before lining up in the square. It is a living tableau that is worth the trip alone, accompanied by the roll of drums and the swirling of flags.
A tradition that unites the city
The modern Giostra was reborn in 1931, promoted by the Municipality of Arezzo to revive an ancient tradition and strengthen civic identity by involving the entire population. Since then, the rivalry between the districts has defined the lives of the Aretini, with propitiatory dinners, evening practices, and breathless anticipation for the verdict. Experiencing the June Giostra del Saracino means entering the heart of the most authentic Tuscany, where the Middle Ages are not just a memory but a living passion.
June Giostra del Saracino — edition 2026
The 149th Giostra del Saracino of June 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at 9:30 PM in Piazza Grande, with a possible postponement to Sunday, June 21, in case of adverse weather conditions. The edition is part of the 95th Jousting Year and includes a full week of events that animate the historic center of Arezzo until the night of the competition.
The historical pageant with approximately 700 participants in 14th-century costumes opens the evening, followed by the challenge of the eight knights from the districts of Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito against the Buratto, to win the Golden Lance.
Programme June Giostra del Saracino 2026
Friday, June 12
- Presentation of the Golden Lance
Saturday, June 13
- 9:30 PM — Ceremony of the drawing of the jousting order and oath of the captains
Sunday, June 14 – Tuesday, June 16
- 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM — Night practices for the jousters (rookies and starters) in Piazza Grande
Wednesday, June 17
- 9:30 PM — Simulation of the competition in Piazza Grande
Thursday, June 18
- 9:30 PM — General rehearsal in Piazza Grande
Friday, June 19
- 11:30 AM — Horse inspection and investiture of the jousters in Piazza San Francesco
- 8:30 PM — Propitiatory dinners in the squares adjacent to the District headquarters
Saturday, June 20
- 9:30 PM — 149th Giostra del Saracino in Piazza Grande: historical pageant and challenge of the four districts (reserve date Sunday, June 21, in case of bad weather)
Highlights June Giostra del Saracino 2026
- Night-time challenge of the eight knights against the Buratto, the King of the Indies
- Historical pageant with approximately 700 participants in 14th-century costumes
- Winning of the Golden Lance by the victorious district
- General rehearsal on June 18 and simulation on June 17, open to the public
Prices June Giostra del Saracino 2026
Practical information — June Giostra del Saracino
Getting there
By train: Arezzo is on the Rome-Florence line; the station is a few minutes' walk from the historic center and Piazza Grande. By car: Take the Arezzo exit from the A1 motorway, then follow signs for the center (during the event, traffic changes and numerous road closures are in effect in the central area).
Location
The competition and historical pageant are held in Piazza Grande (Piazza Vasari) and the historic center of Arezzo.
Tickets
Seating in the Piazza Grande stands is paid and in high demand; it is advisable to purchase them well in advance. Online sales are handled through the official circuit (discoverarezzo.ticka.it). Standing room is available at an affordable price.
Tips
Arrive early to watch the historical pageant along the streets of the center. In case of bad weather, the joust may be postponed to the following day: tickets remain valid.
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Where does it take place — June Giostra del Saracino
Piazza Grande (Piazza Vasari)
Piazza Grande, 52100 Arezzo