Giostra del Saracino (Saracen Joust)

An equestrian challenge in the heart of Tuscia

The Giostra del Saracino, also known as the Palio del Saracino, is the most iconic event in Monte Romano, a small town in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio. This is no staged tourist attraction; it is a deep-rooted tradition passed down through generations, tied to the horses and the Maremma countryside that have always defined life in this Alta Tuscia village.

The four districts

The town is divided into four districts that vie for the palio: Granarone, Mascherone, Poggetto, and Sassone. Each district fields its own riders, supported by the colors and banners of their rione, reigniting a year-long rivalry with every edition. The winning district keeps the banner until the next joust, when they must defend it against the other three.

How the joust works

The equestrian competition follows the classic format of ring jousts. A star—a perforated disc—is suspended from a rope along the course, which the rider must hit with a lance while at a full gallop. Scoring rewards precision: three points for the center hole, one point for the outer holes. Each district brings four riders per round, and the total score determines who takes home the palio.

The historical pageant

The day is more than just a race. It begins with the gathering of the districts in Piazza Dante, followed by a historical pageant in period costume that winds through the town streets, accompanying riders and participants to the municipal sports field. Flag-wavers, ladies, men-at-arms, and drummers give the day a collective festive spirit that involves the entire town, from children to the elderly watching from their doorsteps.

Organizers

The event is managed by the Nuova Ippica Monteromanese APS, an association dedicated to preserving the local equestrian passion, with the patronage of FITETREC-ANTE Lazio, the Italian equestrian tourism federation. At the end of the challenge, association members present the palio to the winning district and award the best rider of the day.

When it takes place

Historically, the joust is linked to the feast of Saint Anthony Abbot, the patron saint of animals celebrated in January, when horse blessings and district parades also take place in Monte Romano. In 2026, the event moved to March; as the date is not fixed, it is advisable to check with the organizers or the local municipality each year.

Monte Romano and surroundings

Monte Romano has just under two thousand inhabitants and is located about 28 kilometers from Viterbo, along the route toward the sea. It is an excellent base for exploring the most authentic side of Tuscia: the Etruscan necropolises of Norchia and Tarquinia, the medieval village of Tuscania, the cliffs of Blera, and Rocca Respampani, a jewel of 17th-century rural architecture. Gastronomically, the town is known for the Maremma Meat Festival in early August, while the area produces Colli Etruschi Viterbesi and Tarquinia DOC wines, as well as DOP Tuscia extra virgin olive oil.

Why it's worth the trip

Those looking for a historical re-enactment far from the crowds and commercial circuits will find a genuine experience here, where the bond between human and horse remains the true protagonist. It is a village festival in the best sense of the word: participatory, spirited, and capable of telling the story of a Tuscia community in just a few hours.