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.

Arezzo & Giostra del Saracino

Going back to Medieval times, the Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen) originally provided military training exercises wherein enemy confrontation was simulated. Now, in Arezzo, it's a great event, held twice each year, involving most of the population of this georgeous Tuscan city.

As we wandered around the town in the afternoon we found skilled flag throwers practising their craft in Piazza Grande in preparation for the evening tornament. Despite the light rain, temporary stalls were selling huge stocks of multicoloured wares for the loyal followers - and a few travellers. Depending on which quarter of the city you support, you can buy flags, scarves, or drums in blue and yellow, green and white, scarlet and navy, or maroon and orange.

Around 8.30pm the corteo storico entered the cordoned off Piazza: a long parade of real and acting VIPs, musicians, flag throwers and finally, amid shouts, squeals and drum rolls , the marching warriors. All brilliantly dressed in traditional Medieval costume.