Gyostra of Zakynthos, a Special Event during the Three Days of the Holy Spirit
OR Carousel it is one equestrian competition craftsmanship, which took place on the island of Zakynthos from 1600, with Italian roots. It is one of the oldest events of Zakynthos that took place during the Carnival period.
The Association «Carousel Of Zakynthos» now revives it three days of Saint Spirit (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). It is a cultural event attended by delegations from all the islands of June, members and friends of the "Giostra Di Zante" Association- www.giostradizante.gr, but also groups from foreign countries such as Italy, England, Sardinia, Czech Republic etc. Choose a holiday on the island and experience it up close, Gyostra of Zakynthos, action of another era!!! It includes three days of events with many shows.
GIOSTRA OF ZAKYNTHOS – PROGRAM
Friday, 1 or day
The Beginning of Gyostra (7 p.m.) – presentation of all participating teams- National Anthems, The Preacher declares the Commencement of the Events, in front of the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos and the Historical Library. Includes speeches, small theater, period dances followed by a medieval dinner for the dignitaries.
Saturday, 2 or day
The childhood Gyostra, participate children from 8-12 years, little running lilliputian knights (without horses) to pass their javelin through a small hanging noose. This is followed by a show with traditional dances from the Ionian Islands and a juggler show.
Sunday, 3 or day
The Equestrian Race of Gyostra with the crowded parade of delegations, in period costumes, costumes, constructed after historical research, such as velvet long dresses and hats but also local costumes of the Ionian Islands.
The procession begins with them Drummers of Giostra Di Zante and following crews holding Pantries (flags), chapter (banners) the heavens (velvet cloth on poles under which the officials sit).
Then follow the nobles, The Governor, The Forecaster Sea, or Lady of Honours, the Judges, the Secretaries, the Misses, and the Knights.
The Knights, coming from noble families, registered in Book D’Oro – Golden Book, have laid aside their coats of arms in order to take part in the contest "of the ring», proving to Despise, that they have chosen, that they are young, strong and athletic.
Each Knight must detach a link hanging from a wooden structure (scaffold).
OR Lady of Honours, for whose sake the Knights fight, is watching the match.
The start of the competition is made by Preveduro (Venetian commander). The Judges they announce the names of the Knights to the crowd and draw the winner, which is the Knight with the most successful attempts. All the Knights, who participate in Gyostra, they will receive a sword as a gift. The winning Knight departs, horseback, with Desposyny on his horse.
At the end of the procession, in Solomos square, a traditional feast is set up with Heptanisian dances and with the participation of all the guests.
In the Italian city Sulmona is held every year n European Carousel, in which the club continuously participates. He also participates in Sardinia and Croatia in respective Ring Giostra events.
Organizers : Cultural Association "Giostra Di Zante" www.giostradizante.gr. Email:[email protected] Facebook: Giostra di Zante/Giostra of Zakynthos
THANKS
We sincerely thank the president of the Cultural Association "Giostra DiZante", but also the rest of the Board of Directors, for the information and photographic material provided to us.
