Giostra del Saracino – September Edition
The daytime challenge of the four districts against the Buratto in Piazza Grande
About September 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—at night in June and by day in September—the city steps back into the 14th century: the streets of the historic center are draped in flags, workshops display the emblems of the districts, and all of Arezzo rallies around a tournament that is part sporting challenge, part popular festival, and part cultural heritage.
The daytime September edition
The September edition is traditionally held on the first Sunday of the month in the afternoon, under the bright sun. Piazza Grande, with its medieval towers, Vasari loggias, and the silhouette of the Cathedral, becomes a stunning open-air theater. 2026 marks the 150th edition, falling within the 95th 'Giostra Year' since the modern revival of the event: a milestone that the Municipality of Arezzo is celebrating with special initiatives, including a commemorative poster and a special postmark created in collaboration with Poste Italiane.
How the challenge works
The competition features the city's four historic districts: 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, an automaton representing the King of the Indies. Upon impact, the Buratto rotates, threatening the knight with its flail; precision, speed, and courage determine every run. The district with the highest score wins the Golden Lance, a unique work of art that changes every year to honor a figure or episode from Arezzo's history and culture.
The historical pageant
Before the competition begins, there is a spectacle within the spectacle: the historical pageant. Approximately 700 participants in 14th-century costumes—knights, ladies, flag-wavers, drummers, musicians, archers, and representatives of noble houses—parade through the alleys of the old town before lining up in the square. In the daytime edition, the procession winds through the streets in the late afternoon, accompanied by the roll of drums and the fluttering of flags, creating a living tableau that is worth the trip alone.
A tradition that unites the city
The modern Giostra was revived in 1931 by the Municipality of Arezzo to restore an ancient chivalric tradition and strengthen civic identity by involving the entire population. Since then, the rivalry between the districts has defined the lives of the locals, with propitiatory dinners, evening practice sessions, and the breathless anticipation of the verdict. Experiencing the September Giostra del Saracino, especially the special 150th edition, means stepping into the heart of the most authentic Tuscany, where the Middle Ages are not just a memory, but a living passion.
September Giostra del Saracino — edition 2026
The 150th Giostra del Saracino of September 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, September 6 in Piazza Grande, with the historical pageant opening the day in the afternoon (around 5:00 PM), followed by the knights' challenge. The edition is part of the 95th 'Giostra Year' and marks an important anniversary for the city of Arezzo, celebrated with special initiatives promoted by the Municipality.
Approximately 700 participants in 14th-century costumes bring the pageant to life, followed by the competition of the eight knights from the districts of Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito against the Buratto, the King of the Indies, to win the Golden Lance dedicated to the 150th anniversary. The week leading up to the race is marked by practice sessions, simulations, and general rehearsals open to the public.
Programme September Giostra del Saracino 2026
Saturday, August 29
- 11:00 AM — Presentation of the 150th Golden Lance
Sunday, August 30
- 11:00 AM — Ceremony of the drawing of the order of runs and oath of the captains
From Monday, August 31 to Wednesday, September 2
- 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM — Jousters' practice sessions (rookies and starters) in Piazza Grande
Thursday, September 3
- 5:00 PM — Race simulation in Piazza Grande
Friday, September 4
- 9:30 PM — General rehearsal in Piazza Grande
Saturday, September 5
- 11:30 AM — Horse inspection and investiture of the jousters
- 8:30 PM — Propitiatory dinners in the squares adjacent to the District headquarters
Sunday, September 6
- From the afternoon (procession from approx. 5:00 PM) — 150th Giostra del Saracino in Piazza Grande: historical pageant with approx. 700 participants and the challenge of the four districts against the Buratto for the Golden Lance
Highlights September Giostra del Saracino 2026
- Special 150th edition with a commemorative poster and a special postmark from the Italian Postal Service
- Golden Lance dedicated to the 150th milestone
- Daytime historical pageant with approx. 700 participants in 14th-century costumes
- Challenge of the eight knights from the four districts against the Buratto, the King of the Indies
- Side events, exhibitions, and ceremonies in the days leading up to the race
Prices September Giostra del Saracino 2026
Practical information — September 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 on the A1 motorway, then follow signs for the center (please note that traffic restrictions and road closures are in effect in the central area during the event).
Location
The competition and the historical pageant take place in Piazza Grande (Piazza Vasari) and the historic center of Arezzo.
Tickets
Seats in the Piazza Grande stands are paid and in high demand, especially for the special 150th edition; it is advisable to purchase them well in advance. Sales are handled through the official circuit (giostradelsaracinoarezzo.it website) and at the Arezzo municipal office. Standing room is available at a lower 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; tickets remain valid. In the days leading up to the competition, there are side events, exhibitions, and ceremonies related to the 150th anniversary.
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Where does it take place — September Giostra del Saracino
Piazza Grande (Piazza Vasari)
Piazza Grande, 52100 Arezzo