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According to the historical data, the first tournament was held in August 1535. The first holiday was dedicated to St. Donatus, the patron of the city. However, some scientists think that competitions of such kind appeared much earlier in Arezzo. The tournament resembles the traditional entertainment of knights, who polished their skills by piercing rag dolls with spears. Steadily, regular training of knights became a popular celebration, and many local people gathered to see it. The tournament was revived at the beginning of the 20th century, and, currently, it is one of the most famous and popular events in Tuscan.

The celebration starts with a solemn procession of knights. As a rule, nearly three hundred people in antique costumes participate in it. Local people take on fancy dresses and walk on the main streets of the city. Equestrians with colorful flags finish the procession. The area near the cathedral is the epicenter of the celebration. The bishop blesses knights, and the festive concert starts after that. The joust starts in the afternoon. As a rule, eight knights participate in it. The main aim of participants is to hit the rotating shield while moving on horseback at full tilt. The quickest and most skillful knight gets the main trophy – a beautiful golden spear. This interesting and old celebration attracts many tourists who want to indulge in the atmosphere of the medieval times at least for a day.
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