Event Details
The 150th Edition of the Giostra del Saracino – A Historic Milestone
On Sunday, 6 September 2026, Piazza Grande in Arezzo transforms into a medieval arena for the 150th edition of the Giostra del Saracino. Known as the Giostra della Madonna del Conforto, this September edition is dedicated to the city's patron saint and is widely regarded as the most important event in Arezzo's civic calendar. The 2026 jubilee promises extraordinary celebrations to mark this historic anniversary.
Highlights
- 150th anniversary edition of the Giostra del Saracino in its modern form
- Historic procession featuring over 300 participants in handcrafted medieval costumes
- Competition between the four historic quarters: Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant'Andrea and Porta Santo Spirito
- Eight mounted knights charge at full gallop toward the wooden effigy known as the Buratto, the "King of the Indies"
- Award of the coveted Lancia d'Oro (Golden Lance) to the winning quarter
- Flag-throwers, drummers and period musicians throughout the day
- Preparatory events running from Monday 31 August 2026
Program
The week leading up to the tournament is packed with official events. From Monday 31 August to Wednesday 2 September, jousting trials take place on Piazza Grande between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM. On Thursday 3 September, a full competition simulation is held from 5:00 PM. Friday 4 September sees the Prova Generale (General Rehearsal) from 9:30 PM. On Saturday 5 September, the Bollatura dei Cavalli and Investitura dei Giostratori ceremony takes place at 11:30 AM on Piazza San Francesco, followed by the traditional pre-joust banquets held in each quarter that evening.
On Sunday 6 September 2026, the magnificent Corteo Storico winds through Arezzo's historic centre in the afternoon. More than 300 participants in meticulously researched 14th-century costume process through medieval streets accompanied by musicians and flag-throwers. The jousting then begins on Piazza Grande, where eight knights must lance the shield of the Buratto effigy at full gallop in under five seconds without being struck by its rotating flail. The tension in the square is genuine and electric.
Tickets
Tickets for the grandstands around Piazza Grande are available through the official Giostra del Saracino website and in person at the box office in Palazzo Comunale, Piazza della Libertà 1, Arezzo. Prices range from around €40 for standing areas to €50–€70 for seated grandstand sections, with premium Poltrona seats in the Lancia d'Oro sector reaching €100. Children under 4 enter free; reduced rates apply for children aged 5–14 and adults over 70. Tickets for the General Rehearsal on 4 September are also available separately. Given the 150th anniversary, demand is expected to be exceptionally high; early booking is strongly recommended.
The Corteo Storico procession through the Old Town can be followed free of charge from the street; arriving early to claim a spot along Piazza San Michele or Via Cavour is well worth it.
Visitor Tips
- Arezzo is directly accessible from the A1 motorway (exit: Arezzo); parking in the historic centre is extremely limited on the day, with shuttle services from outlying car parks.
- Arriving by train is highly recommended; Arezzo station sits on the main Florence–Rome line.
- Claim a spot along the Corteo Storico route (Piazza San Michele, Via Cavour) well before the procession begins.
- September in Arezzo is pleasantly warm during the day; bring a light layer for the cooler evening hours.
- Book accommodation months in advance for this 150th jubilee edition; hotels near Piazza Grande fill up very quickly.
- The museums of the four historic quarters are often open free of charge or at reduced prices during tournament week, displaying historic lances and costumes.
