FESTIVALS & EVENTS

If Middle Age athletics are your thing, look up the Giostra del Saracino – Italy’s foremost jousting event, which takes place in the Piazza Grande in Arezzo (a charming city that’s well worth exploring in its own right). Here, you can watch ‘medieval knights’ battle it out to win the most ‘points’ and a glorious (metaphoric) crown.
You’ll be blown away by the ambience: the whole city gets involved in this annual event, from the hundreds of people who dress up in medieval costume to the flag throwing demonstration that occurs moments before the tournament. Keep some space clear in June or September if you plan on going.

This unique event takes place on the second Sunday of every June and includes performances from local folk groups, concerts, markets, food stalls and re-enactments of battles between historical knights.

The main event of this celebration is the Giostra del Saracino – a jousting tournament inspired by medieval times featuring knights riding horses in full armor. They charge towards one another with lances to hit a targets placed in front of them. The winner earns points for their team or family, who compete against each other throughout the day for glory and honor. It is truly an impressive show that will enchant visitors with its tradition and excitement!