A Medieval Tradition That's Still Alive And Flapping

     It is tragic how easily a tradition can fade away.  Be it a safely guarded family receipt, like my Italian Grandmother's legendary receipt for ricotta pie, or a regional language or dialect that slowly drifts off into oblivion, like the Inuit language of the Eskimo's is endangered of becoming.  Or a time honored tradition like the sea grass basket weaving of the Carolina's.  The sad truth to losing these traditions, is that once they disappear, they can never be revived and countless generations will be deprived of their impact on their culture.  So it is wonderful to see a culture showcasing these talents and iconic cultural elements.  One  of these types of traditions that have survived the test of time in the Italian region of Tuscany is the colorful and artistic tradition of flag throwing or sbandieratori as the Italian's refer to it.  This sporting event derives from the middle ages and was a way to show pride for one's family or neighborhood.  You can see this activity being preformed throughout modern day Siena.  The medieval city of Siena is comprised of 17 different contrada's or neighborhoods.  All of them with their own place of worship, market for groceries and their own mascot that represents a virtue that the neighborhood finds significant.  When you stroll through this charming collection of streets, you can easily identify which contrada your in.  The street lamps are designed to emulate the neighborhood mascot and you will see a plethora of the contrada's flags flying proudly.  So when your in the Lupa or "she-wolf" neighborhood, you will see countless images of wolfs being displayed.  So as you turn a corner and see flags with unicorns on them, then you know that you have found the Leocorno or unicorn contrada.  With this much pride in their local communities, is obvious that they would like to show it off and what better way than through friendly competition. 

     The flag throwing competition is a mixture of ascetics (twirling and spinning these large and colorful flags) and agility (throwing them 20 feet into the air and miraculously catching them before they hit the ground).  It typically consists of two to four individuals performing a routine to the rhythmic sounds of drums pounding and is informally judged by locals on it's technical precision and beauty.  These competitions are usually performed during local festivals and on special occasions.  If you are not lucky enough to be in Siena during one of their many festivals, the greatest is during the Palio, then keep your ears open for the loud thumping of drums as you meander through the maze of streets.  This will tip you off that a neighborhood is in the middle of a practice.  Almost daily can you find young adults diligently practicing to perfect their craft, and are more than willing to show off for a crowd.  These practice sessions will take place in small piazza's throughout the city and are completely free.  This is a great way to experience this colorful spectacle of Tuscany and a truly unique facet of Tuscan culture and tradition that dates back to the middle ages.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf3aAOBRE0g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMNzJ9Wb-UM