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Giostra di Zante has revived one of our oldest traditions. The Cultural Association ‘Giostra di Zante was founded in 2005. It’s primary aim is the establishment of the revival and representative of Giostra (highly skilled jousting), research, studies on preservation, performance and a display of traditional customs of Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands, thus maintaining the connection of this with the past and the historical memory. Annually, over the three day period of ‘Holy Spirit’ they organise a series of events, in which the main purpose is to bring together the citizens of Zakynthos and visitors to our island, through Medieval events, which is inextricably tied to our history and culture of our Island.
Programme for 2022.
Friday,10th June, at 20.00 p.m.
Giostra Di Zante will commence its opening ceremony. This year they have organised a medieval event which with take place at Solomos Square.
Saturday, 11th June, at 19.30 p.m
Chilren’s Giostra. It is here that our young residents of Zakynthos participate in keeping our traditions alive. Teams will parade through the town to Solomos Square where Giostra will begin. After the winner’s ceremony there will be celebrations with traditional song and dance from the Ionian Islands and our European guests.
Sunday, 12th June, at 19.00 p.m
The Grande Parade. This is the event of the year! Giostra Di Zante will parade in medieval costume through the town. Knights on horseback will also join in the parade at Solomos Square where the events will take place. Many Cultural Associations from Europe and the Ionian will participate. After the winner’s ceremony a celebration will take place.
History….
Giostra is one of the oldest events known throughout Zakynthos. Along with ball dancing, which was mainly held within the two main halls of (Romianiko and Lombardiano) and the well known “Omilies” better known today as street theatre, where locals performed in converted open-air theatres, these were the most common forms of entertainment during carnival period and throughout the year on our reputable Island.
Giostra was a competition in which the competitors were mounted and took part for the chance to win the prize. First prize being a silver sword, whilst a pair of silver spurs was for second place and all competitors had the chance to honor the maiden in which they chose to compete for.
Giostra in Zakynthos had two different types of competitions. The first being that of the rings, where the knights had to try and collect the small rings which were hanging from a specially designed wooden post. The second was that of Mascaron Moro. In this one the idea was for the knights to cut a feather from the head of a replica of a colored man, it was for this reason they named it ” Giostra of Sarakino”. Following the event there would always be and often a continuation for days a celebration at the winner’s home and his name would be printed in the book of Honors.
Participating in Giostra were the families of the nobles, those of whose names were registered in what was called “(Libro d’Oro). However, although the nobles took part the event was watched by crowds of people from all walks of life. It was characterized by different historians and many would travel far just to see the event. As such, the event formed a more popular style. It is not by chance therefore that Giostra has been mentioned throughout history, literature and in theatre (Erotokritos, Eugenia) including literature by (D. Roma, A. Avouris).
It is not exactly known as to when Giostra actually started. It is believed, however that it is an ancient tradition. Officially, it was first mentioned in 1656 when on the 29th of January the authority of the Ionian Islands (Captain General) Lazaros Motsenigos passing through the Island confirmed it.
From the 20th of April 1651 in accordance to the order by (Provvediore Generale) John Anthony Zenzia, the local Council had to submit thirty -two realia from the public trust which was in turn submitted for the winner’s prize. Information published by the historian Sp. De Biazi, makes us believe the Giostra was of late origin and very much loved by the Zakynthian people. It is for this reason it took on a more official (governmental) character. Characteristically a lot of other historians mentioned it giving us the impression that it was one of the biggest events of the year.
The competition between the Knights in Giostra first took place around the area of Agigkos in Bochali, next to the first town in which was built upon the hills for safety reasons within the castle. Later, when the capital of the town became Aigialo, Giostra followed and it was then held along the main road of Rougas Square (today known as Alexandra Roma) and between the two churches located in that area. The day of the event was the Thursday carnival time (Pempti Tirofagou).
Giostra finally took on a more social character. On the day of the event locals would remove flower pots from their windowsills, railings from their balconies as these things gave the idea they were keeping their women enclosed as if jailed within their homes. It was through this act that equality was shown between men and women and that socially it should be expressed.
Giostra today…..
Giostra in Zakynthos, not only has a domestic flavour of the Ionian but also has an international character, many other European countries take part in the parade and in the competition.
Up until now Italy, with its flag bearers and their magical displays, Slovenia, with its proud Hawk trainers along with their displays with fire and San Marino with their traditional dancing exhibits, the Czech Republic displaying their traditions, all take part. The organization has also made efforts to contact other countries and cities throughout Europe in which Giostras are held, internationally and domestically.
The aim is to have future co-operation and to enhance the Giostra in Zakynthos, thus giving it a more European character.
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