Sarteano Saracen Joust
The historic Ferragosto re-enactment in Sarteano, where five districts compete on horseback to win the Palio.
About Saracen Joust
The Saracen Joust, the soul of Sarteano
In the village of Sarteano, in the province of Siena and the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana, August 15th is not just a standard Ferragosto holiday: it is the day of the Saracen Joust, the town's most cherished historic re-enactment. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, with the first documented records from 1583, when the festival was linked to the Company of San Rocco. Over the centuries, the joust has maintained its continuity, becoming the collective identity of Sarteano.
The five districts
The village is divided into five districts (contrade), each with its own colors, patron saint, and a history of rivalry and pride that spans generations:
- Sant'Andrea — red and blue
- San Lorenzo — white and red
- San Bartolomeo — white and purple
- San Martino — white and blue
- Santissima Trinità — yellow and purple
Throughout the summer, the districts enliven Sarteano with social dinners, patronal feasts, and community gatherings, building up to the day of the joust.
How the challenge works
The competition takes place in Piazza Bargagli, transformed into a tournament field. The five knights, one for each district, gallop to spear a ring with a diameter of just six centimeters, placed on a shield depicting a Saracen of the Levant. They race over several rounds, and the accumulated score, including any tie-breakers, determines the winning district, which claims the Palio: a banner painted each year by an artist and carried in triumph on the chariot during the pageant.
The historical pageant
Before the joust in the afternoon, the grand historical pageant parades through the village streets: over two hundred participants including priors and noble families of Sarteano, captains on horseback, ladies, knights, handmaidens, musicians, men-at-arms, flag-wavers, drummers, and trumpeters. At the end of the procession, the flag-wavers of each district showcase their skills, accompanied by the roll of drums.
A free event to enjoy from the morning
The Sarteano Saracen Joust is free to attend: on August 15th, the town comes alive from the morning with costumes, drums, and flags, awaiting the late afternoon challenge. It is an authentic opportunity to discover a less touristy corner of Tuscany, far from the crowds, where tradition is still vibrant and deeply popular.
Saracen Joust — edition 2026
The 2026 Sarteano Saracen Joust holds special significance: it is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi in the year of the 800th anniversary of his death. The Giostra del Saracino Association has obtained the prestigious patronage of the National Committee for Franciscan Celebrations, established by decree of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. The Palio that the winning district will carry in triumph will be dedicated to the Saint, with a competition already published for its creation.
Association President Giancarlo Betti and Mayor Francesco Landi highlighted Sarteano's strong historical bond with the Franciscan tradition, evidenced by the Church of San Francesco and the Cells of Saint Francis present in the territory. The 2026 institutional program, developed by the Joust Committee together with the districts, includes numerous events dedicated to the figure of the Saint, alongside the traditional Ferragosto challenge in Piazza Bargagli.
Programme Saracen Joust 2026
Summer of the districts (July - August)
- Saturday, May 30 — Santissima Trinità District, patronal feast and social dinner, Piazza Bargagli (8:00 PM)
- Saturday, June 27 — San Martino District, 40th anniversary of the twinning with the Giudea District of Oria (BR)
- July 11-12 — Sant'Andrea District, district feast
- July 18 and 26 — San Martino District, district feast
- July 19 and 25 — Santissima Trinità District, district feast
- August 8-10 — San Lorenzo District, patronal feast
- August 21-23 — San Bartolomeo District, patronal feast
Civitas Infernalis
- July 31 - August 2 — Civitas Infernalis, 12th edition, re-enactment in the historic center
Towards the Joust
- Tuesday, August 11, 9:00 PM — Tratta dei Bossoli, Piazza Bargagli (drawing of the pairings)
- Friday, August 14, 4:00 PM — Provaccia della Giostra (Joust rehearsal), Piazza Bargagli
Saturday, August 15 — The day of the Joust
- 2:30 PM — Historical pageant through the town streets, with over two hundred participants, ladies, knights, flag-wavers, drummers, and the chariot with the Palio
- 5:30 PM — Saracen Joust in Piazza Bargagli: the five district knights compete in the ring race
Victory celebration
- August 29-30 — Victory celebration of the winning district
Highlights Saracen Joust 2026
Prices Saracen Joust 2026
Practical information — Saracen Joust
When
Every year on August 15th, with preparatory events in the preceding weeks (Tratta dei Bossoli, Provaccia, and district feasts).
Where
Piazza Bargagli and the historic center streets of Sarteano (SI), Sienese Valdichiana, Tuscany.
How to get there
By car: take the A1 motorway to the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit, then a few kilometers towards Sarteano. By train: Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station on the Rome-Florence line, then bus or taxi to the village.
Tickets
Free admission. It is recommended to arrive well in advance to secure a good spot in Piazza Bargagli.
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Where does it take place — Saracen Joust
Piazza Bargagli
Piazza Bargagli, 53047 Sarteano