NEWS - Giostra di Simone

Montisi - Siena - 8th August 2010

A jousting competition between the cantons of the small town of Montisi.
The town recall an important incident in the history: towards the end of the 13th century, the feudal overlord of the area, Simone Cacciaconti, was driven from his land, only to return with soldiers to sack the village. However, realising that his position was untenable and in the face of continued opposition from the inhabitants, he was forced to withdraw to Siena.
The Giostra is held every year on the Sunday nearest to 5th August, feastday of the Ma enter armed with a lance and, charging at full gallop, aim to strike the “buratto”, an effigy of Simone.
On his left arm Simone carries a target and on his left shoulder a ring, “campanella”; indonna delle Nevi, patron saint of Montisi.
The horsemen, “fantini”, representing the four “contrade” or neighbourhoods of Montisi, Castello, Piazza, San Martino and Torre, enter armed with a lance and, charging at full gallop, aim to strike the “buratto”, an effigy of Simone.
On his left arm Simone carries a target and on his left shoulder a ring, “campanella”; in his right hand he wields a “flagello”, a kind of flail with steel balls, poised to strike any rider whose attack lacks sufficient pace. Each rider
makes four passes, and whoever scores the most points is awarded a painted banner, know in Montisi as the “Panno”.
For further information contact us or visit the ufficial web site of the festival.
www.giostradisimone.it