In the heart of Florence, a city that symbolizes the Renaissance, there is a tradition that blends spectacle, art, and history: flag-throwing. The Bandierai degli Uffizi, founded in 1973, are Florence's official flag bearers and represent one of the most authentic expressions of Italy's historical culture. With their choreographed movements, accompanied by the sound of drums and trumpets, the Bandierai celebrate an art that has its roots in the past but still fascinates audiences around the world today.

The origins and connection to the city

The Bandierai degli Uffizi were founded to accompany the Historical Parade of the Florentine Republic, a reenactment that recalls the glorious past of the city with over 560 participants in historical costumes. Since their inception, the Bandierai have performed at all the events of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino and on solemn occasions, representing Florence at institutional, national, and international events.

The art of flag-throwing has medieval and Renaissance origins: in the past, flags were used on battlefields to transmit signals and orders. Over time, this practice transformed into a spectacular discipline where the skill and coordination of the flag bearers create harmonious and intricate figures.

An art between history and spectacle

Flag-throwing is an art that requires training, precision, and passion. Every performance is a choreography meticulously crafted: the flags fly high in the sky, rotate, intertwine, and are used with fluid, spectacular movements.

The costumes of the Bandierai degli Uffizi are inspired by those of the 15th century and incorporate the colors of the Florentine Republic: the red and white of the lily of Florence. The flags, a distinctive feature of the group, are decorated with historical symbols of the city, such as the Magistratures, which were the offices of the town hall during the Renaissance, making each performance a visual tribute to the grandeur of Florence's past.

The Bandierai received the Representative Medal from the President of the Republic in 2013 and are the only group depicted on an Italian stamp issued by the Ministry of Economic Development in 2018. Among the group's cultural initiatives is also the restoration of the statue of the Marzocco lion, a symbol of Florence, located on the loggia of Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria.

Performances in Italy and worldwide

Over the years, the Bandierai degli Uffizi have brought the Florentine tradition worldwide, forming deep bonds with Italian communities abroad, especially in America. Each trip is an opportunity to meet Italian descendants, share stories, and strengthen the connection with their roots.

Among the most significant experiences in recent years is their participation in the prestigious annual Gala of the NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) in Washington D.C., an event that celebrates Italian heritage in the United States and features prominent figures from Italian-American politics, culture, and business. Last summer, the Bandierai had the honor of performing in Springfield, Boston, and Philadelphia for the celebrations of Italian Republic Day. During this trip, they had the pleasure of meeting many Italian expats in their workplaces and communities. The warm welcome and sense of belonging they felt made them feel at home, forging deep bonds and friendships that will last over time. The warmth and enthusiasm of Italian-Americans made these experiences even more special, leaving an indelible mark in the memories of all participants.

Looking to the future: a legacy to preserve

In addition to their performances, the Bandierai degli Uffizi play a crucial role in training new generations of flag bearers and drummers. The passing of the torch between veterans and youth in this activity, which is carried out free of charge and consists solely of volunteers, is essential to keeping this tradition alive and ensuring its continuity.

In an era where cultural roots risk being forgotten, the work of the Bandierai degli Uffizi is more valuable than ever: they carry forward a piece of Florentine history, making it alive and accessible to everyone, both in Italy and around the world.

Whether in a historic square in Florence or under the spotlight of a major international event, the Bandierai degli Uffizi continue to enchant audiences with the timeless beauty of their performance, demonstrating that tradition is not just memory, but also passion and spectacle.

Viva Fiorenza
Viva i Bandierai degli Uffizi