Also known as the Saracen Joust of Arezzo, this event was part of the exercise in the daily military training back in the 16th century. Since then the joust became a public event in honour of the arrival of sovereigns, princes etc
The Saracino is organized by the municipality of Arezzo at Piazza Grande twice a year. The first takes place in the last Saturday of the month of June while the second is held in the first Sunday of September. The town like in the earlier times, is divided into 4 quarters :
- Porta Crucifera know as Culcitrone(green and red colours),
- Porta del Foro know as Porta S.Lorentino(yellow and crimson colours),
- Porta Sant’Andrea (white and green colours) and
- Porta del Borgo, today called Porta Santo Spirito (yellow and blue colours).
Two heroes from every quarter are chosen to make return, victorious and are called the jousters of the 4 gates. During the day of the joust the town’s Herald announces the proclamation of the joust challenge, and then the ceremony continues with a colorful procession of 350 costume characters including musicians, flag bearers and noblemen along with 27 horses parading around the streets of Arezzo. The most spectacular moment of the parade is the blessing of the men-at-arms, which takes place on the steps of the Cathedral and is given by the town’s Bishop.
The competition consists of hitting the armor-plated dummy that represents a Saracen, galloping a horse with the help of a lancer. The dummy holds a board on his left hand which represents the scoreboard having a point system ranging from 1 to 5. The centre of the board gives the maximum points. Its right hand holds a cat o’ nine tails with balls of leather tied on its end to defend itself from the opponents. The dummy rotates around itself once hit from the knight and therefore defends itself from the attacker. Depending on the courage, ability and luck of the heroes, the highest scorer off the quarters will gain victory receiving a golden lance.
The rules and regulations of the Buratto Joust remain unchanged dating back to 1677. A perfect occasion to visit the lovely town of Arezzo just an hour away from Florence by train from the SMN station with an opportunity to visit the city center, famous for the ruins created by the World War II and the projection of the legendary film The Life is Beautiful of Roberto Benigni.
Photo Wikipedia