History

Although the quarters of Arezzo were known to have their own standard-bearers ever since the ‘30s, it was only in 1960 that their role became more specific. Although the quarters of Arezzo were known to have their own standard-bearers ever since the ‘30s, it was only in 1960 that their role became more specific.

In fact, on the occasion of an “Italian happening” in Liverpool (UK) the local tourist board decided to send a delegation of the Joust including the standard-bearers of the four quarters. The huge success they achieved was a decisive factor for the institution of an independent group of Flag-wavers, meant to promote the historical and folk traditions of the territory. Behind this project was Alberto Mario Droandi, the then chairman of the tourist board.

Because of the renewed interest in the art of “flag handling”, some historical texts are analyzed – such as The Flag (1638) by Sir F. Ferdinando Alfieri, a fencing-master from the Accademia Delia in Padua. They all show that the first use of the flag was for military purposes, since armies needed a way to both arrange their troops while fighting and to announce the victory of a faction over another.

The Flag-wavers Association proudly sticks to this tradition and has a true military background. Still, beyond the standard choreographic exercises, further aspects of flag-waving have been introduced (athletics, acrobatics and music above all). Also, new late medieval costumes were sewed drawing inspiration from Piero della Francesca’s paintings, using the colors and heraldry of the Aretine municipalities. So, unlike many other imitations, the group mirrors the authentic history and tradition of Arezzo, and that’s definitely one of its strong points.

Another source of pride of the Association is its vast repertoire of exercises, widened and improved in time to reach a rare level of accuracy. To the striking choreographies of the ‘60s, which resulted from a strict historical research on texts of the 16th century, Vittorio Dini (first managing director) and his successor Pasquale Livi added new figures to exalt contents and language. Gestures and figures, in fact, have no meaning if cleverness doesn’t match with symbolic and evocative actions. In the early ‘60s the so-called “Schermaglia” (Skirmish) was thus conceived, to symbolize the eternal struggle between good and evil, and it is still in the repertoire of the group.

In 1966 in San Marino, the Association sponsored the foundation of the Italian Flag-wavers Federation (FI.S.B.) that gathers almost all the Italian groups. One year later, they hosted the first International Flag-Games: a brand new springboard for an art with few followers. For five years the Association gets great results, especially in group categories, and it is still ranks fifth in the “Tenzone Aurea” (Golden Contest) results. In fact, in 1977 the Aretine group decided to withdraw from the Federation since, as often happens, its growing popularity brought forth some sort of standardization (of flags, costumes and music), while the Associations chose to safeguard its identity.

During the ‘80s and ‘90s the Association travels the world even for extended periods, like the 45 days in Japan, and takes part in many prestigious events. In 1999, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the group, the special performance for the Joust saw many ex-flag-wavers back in their costumes with a striking choreography. Moreover, in the last ten years the number of people becoming members of the Association has been growing steadily, so the “Carlo Dissennati Flag-waving School” has flourished like never before.

Under the guidance of Pasquale Livi, technical manager for many years, before each September Joust there’s been a meticulous research for adequate music and symbologies, with the precious contribution of the late lamented prof. Martini. So we have witnessed memorable performances dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci and Piero della Francesca, as well as to great men and institutions or special events.

Finally, in 2010 the Association has had its fiftieth anniversary and, in order to thank all those who had a share in its success, has planned a series of celebrations meant to leave a mark in its history.