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    The Jouse of the Saracens, Arezzo, Toscana


    La Giostra del Saracino, the Joust of the Saracens, in Arezzo is an ancient horseback contest whose origins are steeped in the Middle Ages. Brought back to life as an historical re-enactment in 1931, the Joust of the Saracens takes place in Arezzo splendidly framed in the Piazza Grande on the third Sunday of June and the first Sunday of September. It's a challenge against il Buratto, a larger-than-life dummy which represents the King of India, among the four quartieri (neighborhoods) into which the city is divided: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito.

    The Joust is preceded by an exhibition by the Sbandieratori della Giostra (who juggle and throw huge flags between them) and by the Saracen, accompanied by drum rolls and the sounds of musical groups. This is followed by the entrance into the piazza of the entire historical cortege of the Joust. More than 300 participants dressed in splendid costumes of the period make their entrance into Piazza Grande, accompanied by the warmth and applause of the neighborhood supporters packed into the stands and along the sides of the piazza. At the head of the armies of the Quartiere enters the Master of Arms with the Captain of the Quartiere and the Jousters completing the formation.

    Finally the attention is on the Jousters (two for each quartiere) who have their confrontation, lance at the ready, at full speed, against il Buratto, King of India. The quartiere whose two jousters score the highest against il Buratto wins the Joust of the Saracens. To the Chancellor of the winning quartiere goes the Golden Lance which is then carried in triumph throughout the streets of the city to rest in the headquarters of the quartiere.




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