JOUST OF THE SARACEN - 21st June 2014
Welcome to Arezzo’s Famous Joust of the Saracen
Pageantry of the Middle Ages for Modern Times
Amid brilliant parades of colourful costumes, bright twirling flags, and triumphant music, Arezzo’s
spectacular and historic joust takes place every June and September in the magnificent Piazza Grande or
Grand Plaza.
The event was born in the Middle Ages when Knights of the Crusades dashed off to vanquish the “Infidels”
or “Saracens.” Of course, now our tournament, run regularly since 1931, is for sport as neighbourhood
teams compete for the best score to win the coveted Lancia d’Oro or Lance of Gold.
Teams are aligned with the four main doorways of the old walled city: Porta Crucifera or Door of the Cross
(green and red), Porta del Foro, or Door of the Forum (yellow and crimson), Porta Sant’Andrea or Saint
Andrew’s Door (white and green), and Porta Santo Spirito or Door of the Holy Spirit (yellow and blue).
Each team has two jousters or knights who take turns riding at full gallop pointing their lance toward the
enormous swiveling mannequin of Buratto, King of the Indies who brandishes a kind of cat-o-nine tails or
mazzafrusto in one hand and the score shield in the other.
It’s a dramatic and dangerous contest of accuracy and dexterity as the knights race for the score shield while
at the same time taking care to avoid being walloped by Buratto’s menacing weapon.
Scoring System for the Joust
The knight and his horse must present themselves before the Jury after each jousting charge.
The Jury has ultimate scoring authority and is comprised of actual Arezzo judges.
Horse veers off the racing strip
Turn is disqualified
An interruption in the run
Turn must be repeated
The run is judged “too slow”
Two point penalty
Rider falls off horse
Loss of all points
Receiving a hit from mazzafrusto:
Two point penalty
Removal of mazzafrusto (1, 2 or 3 balls)
Win of 1, 2 or 4 points
Strike of Saracen and not score shield
Disqualification of Rider
Loss of the drapery
One point penalty
Loss of the lance
Loss of all points for the turn
Breaking of the lance (unless mazzafrusto is
Doubled points
torn off)
Failure to rotate the Saracen
Loss of all points or repeat of
turn
Presentation before the Jury:
1) Refusal:
Loss of all points for the turn
2) On foot:
3) Without the lance
Two point penalty
Loss of all points for the turn
Benvenuti ad Arezzo
* Piazza della Repubblica – 52100 Arezzo
Tel. 0575.26850
* Piazza della Libertà 1 - 52100 Arezzo
Tel. 0575.401945
welcome@comune.arezzo.it
Schedule of Events
7:00
First cannon salute
11:00
Second cannon salute
 “The Proclamation of the Joust” is announced by the Town Herald

Joust Procession begins as the Civic Tower Bell tolls
(With 350 costumed musicians, flag bearers, participants and horses, the lavish procession moves along
from the Palace of the Priori to the Basilica of the Pieve Saint Maria, Saint Michele Square, Corso Italia,
Vial Rome and Saint Francisco Square.)
18:45
Third cannon salute
The Blessing of the Knights
 Porta Crucifera or Door of the Cross: at Saint Cross Church
 Porta del Foro, or Door of the Forum: at Church of Saint Domenico
 Porto Sant’Andrea or Saint Andrew’s Door: at Church of Saint Augustino
 Porto Santo Spirito or Door of the Holy Spirit: Church of Saint Antonio
19:15
Parade Assembly in Saint Domenico Square
19:45
The fourth cannon salute
Parade begins at Saint Domenico Square to Arezzo’s Duomo or Cathedral
The parade of knights and their teams winds through Via Sassoverde and Via Ricasoli on its way to the Cathedral.
20:00
Blessing of the Teams from the Bishop of Arezzo
This takes place at the Piazza Duomo or Plaza of the Cathedral. The current Bishop is flanked by the 14 th century
military standards of Arezzo’s famous Bishop Guido Tarlati.
20:15
Grand Parade
This final parade winds through the town’s historic center to end at the Jousting Arena in the Grand Plaza or
Piazza Grande. The route includes: Via Ricasoli, Via of the Pileati, Corso Italia, Via Rome, Guido Monaco Square,
Via Guido Monaco, Saint Francisco Square, Via Cavour, Via Mazzini, and Via Borgunto.
21:0
The fifth cannon salute
Joust Opening Ceremony in the Grand Plaza or Piazza Grande
 First, to the sounds of the Joust’s talented drum and bugle corps, the renowned Sbandieratori or flag
wavers perform an elaborate flag vaulting and throwing exhibition.
 Next the gonfaloni or heraldic banners are presented bearing various symbols of Arezzo.
 Next, entering and lining up along the lizza or racing strip:
o The Eight Knights of the Joust
o The Knights of the Lineage representing ancient nobility of Arezzo
Reading of the Challenge of Buratto by the Herald
Salute of the Knights to the cry of “Arezzo!"
Jury’s Announcement of Authorization to begin the Joust
Execution of the Saracen anthem performed by the Joust Musicians
The Joust of the Saracen Tournament

First round of Knights’ jousting runs against Buratto

Second round of Knights’ jousting runs against Buratto

Final jousting round and declaration of the winner
Winning Ceremony
Benvenuti ad Arezzo
* Piazza della Repubblica – 52100 Arezzo
Tel. 0575.26850
* Piazza della Libertà 1 - 52100 Arezzo
Tel. 0575.401945
welcome@comune.arezzo.it



The Mayor of Arezzo presents the Lancia d’Oro or Lance of Gold to the winning team
Final cannon salute in honour of the winning team’s quartiere or neighbourhood quarter
Winners, supporters and spectators depart to the Duomo or Cathedral to sing hymn of thanksgiving
Benvenuti ad Arezzo
* Piazza della Repubblica – 52100 Arezzo
Tel. 0575.26850
* Piazza della Libertà 1 - 52100 Arezzo
Tel. 0575.401945
welcome@comune.arezzo.it