Italian American Digest DigestSpring2019RevisedFinalDraft | Page 20

SPRING 2019
PAGE 20
The Sbandieratori –
Italian Flag Throwers
By Alessandro Steinhaus
A performance of the Sbandieratori della Città di Arezzo
In many towns in Italy, there is a special way to celebrate historical
events: through costume parades and flag throwing. This kind of celebration
is regaining popularity, so you might have the chance to visit some of them
during a trip to Italy.
The tradition of the “sbandieratori” (i.e. flag throwers) originates from
the time in which, during medieval battles, an ensign carrier would hold and
protect a flag emblazoned with the symbol of the army, he was required to
defend the flag with his life if necessary. Losing the flag to the enemy would
have meant defeat and therefore, a long and high throw was necessary to
save the flag by removing it from battle. In addition, moving the flags had
the strategic mean of quickly communicating situations on the battlefield to
military commanders.
Nowadays, the performances are carried out by groups of drummers,
Nor Joe Imports, LLC
“the tradition continues”
25 years strong!
Stop by the store for gift baskets, muffalettas, and unique
Italian food items! New inventory is added weekly!
9:00-7:00 Monday – Saturday
10:00 – 2:00 Sunday Pasta
505 Frisco Ave.
Metairie, LA 70005
504-833-9240
Italian American Digest
trumpeters and flag
throwers throughout
Italy. The show is very
similar to the one in
the scene from the film
version of Frances
Mayes’ book “Under
The Tuscan Sun” where
a young Polish man
learns to perform with
the flags as a sign of love
to his Italian girlfriend.
The performances of
the “sbandieratori” are
musically and visually
stunning.
If you are visiting
Italy during the spring,
make sure not to miss
one of the many flag
throwing displays
across the country.
The musicians are
Sbandieratori performing at a medieval festival
excellent, the costumes
are magnificent, and the
excitement created by their performances is tangible.
Particularly beautiful is the performance of the Sansepolcro Flag
Throwers, the same group that performs in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.
They have been recreating this medieval tradition for a long time and for more
than 30 years, they have shared it with New Orleans thanks to the support of
the American Italian Cultural Center. Make sure not to miss the opportunity
to admire their performances as well as their hand-painted flags and costumes
made by professional theatrical costumiers when they will be in March here in
New Orleans! See the schedule of their performances on page 5.