The Saracino Joust: the event that tells the soul of Arezzo
The Saracino Joust is the most representative event of the city of Arezzo, a celebration that brings together historical reenactment, jousting competition and a strong civic identity. It is not a show created for tourism, but a tradition deeply rooted in the daily life of the people of Arezzo, experienced with pride and heartfelt participation by the entire community.
Twice a year, the historic centre is transformed into a large open-air stage. The heart of the Saracino Joust is Piazza Grande, one of the most evocative medieval squares in Italy, where the jousting competition itself takes place. Around the race revolve the historical parade, the Quartieri with their colours, the clarions, the flag throwers and a series of ceremonies that animate the city for several days.
The Saracino Joust is therefore much more than a horse race: it is the moment when Arezzo expresses its historical and cultural identity at its highest level. For visitors, it is also the ideal opportunity to plan a weekend in Arezzo, experiencing the historic centre during its most intense period, among events, medieval atmosphere and authentic city life.
Saracino Joust 2026 dates: when it takes place (and why booking your stay early is recommended)
The Saracino Joust takes place, as tradition dictates, twice a year, offering two different experiences in terms of atmosphere and light. In 2026, the official dates are:
- Saturday 20 June 2026 – night edition (San Donato Joust)
The most spectacular event of the year, with Piazza Grande illuminated and a strong visual impact. - Sunday 6 September 2026 – daytime edition (Madonna del Conforto Joust)
A more traditional joust, bathed in September daylight and deeply felt by the people of Arezzo.
It is important to note that the Saracino Joust is not limited to the day of the race alone. The weeks leading up to it are filled with events: practice sessions for the jousters, the drawing of the riding order, the mock race, the general rehearsal, the investiture of the knights and the traditional pre-joust dinners organised by the Quartieri.
For this reason, those who truly wish to experience the event and stay in the historic centre of Arezzo should plan and book well in advance, especially when choosing centrally located accommodation.
At a glance: what to see during the Saracino Joust
The Saracino Joust is a complex and multi-layered event that goes far beyond the jousting competition in Piazza Grande. For visitors arriving in Arezzo during the days of the Joust, it is helpful to have a clear overview of the elements that make this event so engaging and identity-defining. These are the highlights not to be missed:
- The historical parade, with hundreds of participants in medieval costume marching through the city centre
- Clarions and drums, accompanying the event with traditional sounds
- The flag throwers, protagonists of spectacular and much-anticipated performances
- The jousters’ races in Piazza Grande, the climax of the Saracino Joust
- The passionate support of the Quartieri, deeply rooted in local identity
- The official ceremonies, such as the drawing of the riding order, the general rehearsal and the investiture
- The traditional pre-joust dinners, enlivening the streets and squares of the Quartieri
Medieval origins and modern identity: why the Saracino Joust is so important
The origins of the Saracino Joust date back to the Middle Ages, when jousting tournaments and martial games were an integral part of the civic and military life of Tuscan cities. Arezzo also took part in these traditions, so much so that its jousts are mentioned by Dante Alighieri in Canto XXII of the Inferno, as a cultural reference and evidence of their diffusion already in medieval times.
Over the centuries, the Saracino Joust underwent changes and interruptions, until it was revived in its modern form in 1931, as an organised historical reenactment inspired by the splendour of 14th-century Arezzo. From that moment on, the Saracino Joust became a central element of local identity, capable of uniting historical memory with contemporary participation.
Today, the Saracino Joust represents a shared cultural heritage: not just a spectacle, but a living tradition that strengthens the bond between the city, its Quartieri and its history.
How the competition works: the rules explained clearly
The Saracino Joust follows a precise and codified ritual, designed to be clear and understandable even for first-time spectators. The competition takes place in the historic centre of Arezzo and follows a well-defined structure:
- The city is divided into four historic Quartieri: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant’Andrea and Porta Santo Spirito
- Each Quartiere fields two jousters, for a total of four runs
- The riding order is determined through an official draw held in the days before the event
- The knight gallops along the lizza and strikes the Buratto, the King of the Indies, with a lance
- The goal is to achieve the highest possible score by hitting the Buratto’s shield
- The winning Quartiere is awarded the Golden Lance, the symbolic trophy of the edition
The Quartieri: colours, belonging and support
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Saracino Joust is the central role played by the Quartieri, the true protagonists of civic life in Arezzo. The city is divided into four historic Quartieri, each with its own colours, symbols and long-standing traditions: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant’Andrea and Porta Santo Spirito.
During the period of the Saracino Joust, each Quartiere decorates the historic centre with flags, banners and coats of arms, turning the streets into an explosion of colour and identity. Support is intense but guided by a strong sense of belonging that goes far beyond sporting competition. For the people of Arezzo, supporting one’s Quartiere means reaffirming a bond often passed down within families from generation to generation.
This collective involvement makes the Saracino Joust easy to understand even for visitors: not just a competition, but a city-wide celebration that tells the story of Arezzo through its Quartieri and its community.
The calendar “around the Saracino Joust”: rehearsals, ceremonies and events to note
The Saracino Joust is not limited to the day of the race itself, but is preceded by a packed calendar of events that animate Arezzo for several days. These moments are essential to fully understand the ritual and symbolic value of the event.
Before the June Saracino Joust, the historic centre hosts the drawing of the riding order, practice sessions in Piazza Grande, the mock race and the General Rehearsal. Particularly significant is the investiture and branding ceremony of the horses, followed by the traditional pre-joust dinners organised by the Quartieri.
The September Saracino Joust is also preceded by afternoon practices, a mock race, the General Rehearsal and the investiture of the knights, with a slightly different but equally heartfelt atmosphere. Taking part in these events allows visitors to experience the Saracino Joust more fully, gradually entering the spirit of the competition and the authentic life of the city.
How to choose your travel dates and enjoy the Saracino Joust: 3 accommodation options in Arezzo
Planning your trip around the Saracino Joust allows you to experience the event with different levels of intensity, depending on the time available and the type of stay you are looking for. In general, there are three main ways to attend the Saracino Joust and discover Arezzo during this special period:
- Saracino Joust day only: a “hit-and-run” option that allows you to watch the race in Piazza Grande, but does not leave time for ceremonies or side events. This is the least recommended option if you want to fully grasp the spirit of the event.
- Classic weekend: arriving on Friday allows you to follow the official ceremonies, the historical parade and the Saracino Joust itself, while also enjoying the evening atmosphere of the historic centre.
- Longer stay: the ideal choice to fully immerse yourself in the event, taking part in rehearsals, ceremonies, Quartiere life and visiting the city’s museums and monuments.
Cento Passi dal Duomo: the ideal B&B for the Saracino Joust
Choosing where to stay during the Saracino Joust makes a real difference to your travel experience. Cento Passi dal Duomo is located at Via Montetini 13, in the heart of Arezzo’s historic centre, just a few metres from the Duomo of Arezzo and within easy walking distance of Piazza Grande.
During the days of the Saracino Joust, the centre is alive with events, ceremonies and social moments that continue into the evening. Staying in a central location allows you to move around entirely on foot, without worrying about traffic, parking or schedules. This means you can follow the historical parade, watch the race and stop at bars and restaurants in the centre with complete freedom.
The most concrete advantage is the easy and immediate return to your accommodation after dinner or an evening out: an aspect that makes the stay more relaxing and allows you to enjoy the Saracino Joust without logistical stress.
Recommended 2-day itinerary to experience the Saracino Joust and the centre of Arezzo
For those staying in the historic centre during the Saracino Joust, here is a practical two-day itinerary that combines the event with discovering the city, without rushing or complicated travel:
- Arrival in Arezzo and check-in at Cento Passi dal Duomo, in a central location
- Panoramic walk between the Duomo of Arezzo and the Medici Fortress
- Dinner in the historic centre, among traditional restaurants and wine bars just steps from the B&B
- Saracino Joust day: historical parade and jousting competition in Piazza Grande
- After the Saracino Joust, drinks and nightlife in the city centre
- The following morning dedicated to museums and churches, such as the Basilica of San Francesco
This itinerary allows you to enjoy the Saracino Joust without compromise, integrating it into a well-balanced cultural stay.
Book your stay at Cento Passi dal Duomo for the Saracino Joust 2026
The dates of the Saracino Joust 2026 – 20 June and 6 September – represent the moments of highest participation and visitor numbers in the city of Arezzo. During these periods, the historic centre comes alive with events, ceremonies and Quartiere life, making the stay especially engaging but also more in demand.
For this reason, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially if you wish to stay in the heart of the city. Staying at the Cento Passi dal Duomo B&B in the centre of Arezzo allows you to experience the Saracino Joust without logistical constraints, moving around on foot and easily managing crowds, schedules and evening events.
The central location allows you to follow the historical parade, attend the race in Piazza Grande and return comfortably after dinners or evenings out. Booking directly through the official B&B website ensures the ideal base for experiencing Arezzo at its most authentic and intense, turning the Saracino Joust into a complete and memorable experience.
What to see near the Cento Passi dal Duomo B&B
Staying at Cento Passi dal Duomo allows you to easily explore on foot some of Arezzo’s most important attractions, all located within the historic centre. Here is what to see nearby:
- Duomo of Arezzo, with its stained glass windows and panoramic views
- Medici Fortress, ideal for a scenic walk
- Piazza Grande, where the Saracino Joust takes place
- Corso Italia, the main street for shopping and strolling
- Basilica of San Francesco, home to the frescoes by Piero della Francesca
- Pieve of Santa Maria, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture
- Casa Vasari, the frescoed home of Giorgio Vasari
- National Archaeological Museum and Roman Amphitheatre
- Basilica of San Domenico, famous for Cimabue’s Crucifix
- Teatro Petrarca, a key cultural venue in the city