Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Arezzo & Giostra del Saracino 2



Central to the tornament is the "enemy", the effigy of the Saracen, attended by 2 men dressed in arabian costume. This effigy is erected so that it spins around when a certain spot (on its shield) is hit by the jouster on horseback. This warrior has to be quick and accurate, as the effigy spins around with strength from 3 hard balls attached to a rope: this can bludgeon the jouster. The jousting is spectacular. Each quarter of the city is represented by 2 horsemen/warriors/jousters, and points are awarded by the judges in the red box. Competition is fierce.