Every 25th of July, the city of Pistoia celebrates its local saint, Saint Jacopo, by holding its traditional "Giostra dell'Orso" (The Bear Joust) when the best horsemen of each rione (neighbourhood) tilt with lances at a target held up by a dummy shaped like a bear.
This year, two terrible accidents led to the death of two thoroughbreds, Oracle Forze e Golden Storming, who had to be put down after veterinary doctors confirmed the serious injuries sustained by the horses following heavy falls during the event. Luckily the two riders escaped with only minor injuries. However, Pistoia's mayor has now cancelled next year event and explained that since not even the new safety regulations helped preventing the accident, the joust cannot continue in its current form and needs more radical changes.
Pali, Goistre and Balestre taking place in Italy during the summer months, are deeply rooted in history and attract thousands of visitors. As Italy Magazine, we have often dedicated articles to the great historical relevance of these traditional events, but we have also reported on the many concerns about safety for both people and animals.
Siena's Palio, Arezzo's Giostra del Saracino, Ferrara's Palio, the Giostra dell' Orso and other similar events involving the use of horses, have been at the centre of a heated debate over the past decades. Central to the controversy is a tension between animal rights activists who have long campaigned to get these events banned and those who think that, while safety should definitely be improved, the 'palios must go on'!
One of Italy's most prominent animal rights organisations, LAV, claims that these historical traditions are cruel, have little to do with sporting skill and are dangerous for the horses, jockeys and spectators (Nearly 50 horses have died on the course of Siena's Palio alone since 1970, for a full updated list check the LAV website).
In 2010 Italy's tourism minister, Michela Brambilla, angered Siena by suggesting that the Palio is as cruel as bull fighting and should be outlawed.
Have you ever been to a Palio? Do you think the tradition should be banned? How can Pistoia mantain the ancient tradition of the Giostra dell'Orso without involving horses?
