THE MEDIAEVAL GROUP OF THE DISTRICT OF CANNETI

Besides taking part in our Festa del Barbarossa (see History page), our District has always carried out another activity, that is taking part in historical mediaeval-style displays, apart from other shows of different kinds, both toghether with the other Districts of S.Quirico (with the E.A.B. too) and on our own; we have performed mainly alone in the last few years, due to organizational reasons.

We have up to now exhibit our arts at the following events: Festival of European Friendship in Saarbrucken, Germany (1977 and 1979) - Festa di Cristo Re in Porto Empedocle, AG (1981) - Italian Culture Week in London and Petworth, United Kingdom (1982) - Giornate Medioevali in the Republic of San Marino (1996, 1999, 2000 e 2001) - "Terre di Siena" at 67° FIM in Metz, France (2002) - Entertainment connected with the start of the Mille Miglia Storiche in Brescia BS (1995 and 1997) - Serra San Quirico AN (1994) - San Leo di Città di Castello PG (2001) - Campionato Italiano Storico Coreografico FISB (2001, 7° Class) - Trofeo Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici in Firenze (2001) - Cortona AR (2001) - Raduno Nazionale CASM (RSM 2001, RSM 2002 1° Class. Coreografia) - "Game Fear 2001" in Collesalvetti LI - "Festa della Bandiera" in Torrita di Siena SI (2002) - Palio of Montese MO (1997 and 1998) - Bravio delle Botti in Montepulciano, SI (various years) - Sutri VT (1999) - Porto S.Stefano GR (2001) - Castello Marcosanti RN (2001) - Palio of Casteldelpiano GR (various years) - Pro-Cernobyl Festival in Casteldelpiano (1997, 1998, 1999 e 2001) - "Sagittae intra moenia" in Narni TR (2002) - "Palio di San Fortunato" in Bolognola MC (2002) - Viterbo (2002) - "Palio del Borro" in Tenuta del Borro AR (2002) - Cerreto Guidi FI (2002) - "Maiolatum" in Maiolati Spontini AN (2002) - Grosseto (2002) and many other times in the neighbouring towns of the provinces of Siena, Grosseto and Firenze (Abbadia San Salvatore, Chianciano Terme, Montalcino, Montisi, Monteriggioni, Pienza, Arcidosso, Campagnatico, Seggiano, Semproniano, Sforzesca, Prato, Tavola di Prato, ecc).


Lorenzo "Magic wands" Benocci		In San Marino, in the Cava dei Balestrieri (Giornate Medioevali 1996)

The mediaeval group of the District of Canneti, which can proudly boast being member of the F.I.SB. (Italian Federation of Flag-Wavers, Ancient Games and Flag Sports) since the beginning of the 3rd millennium, is made up of flag-wavers, bowmen, drummers, armour-bearers, pageboys and ladies, with a number of people which can vary from time to time according to the specific organizational requirements. However, the "typical formation" is made up at the most of 10 flag-wavers, 6 bowmen-armigers, 9 drummers, 1 coat of arms bearer, 1 pageboy and 1 lady. All our costumes have been recently renewed. We entrusted them to historical dressmaking workshops of proven experience, following the mediaeval style of dress as faithfully as possible; our particular source of inspiration were the frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli known as "Corteo di Epifania e Magi" in the Chapel of Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. Also the materials, colours and every other element was chosen according to the time, and made using totally manual techniques, because faithfulness to tradition is not only our precise belief but also a good reason for pride and seriousness.

The main display we offer is, of course, that of the flag-wavers; our group can perform in small formations (8, 6 or 4 flag-wavers), in couples and also with soloists, according to a fixed scheme which lasts at the most 45 minutes - or else adapting to any other particular requirement. Naturally, the choice of the programme of the show is tailored to the space and time we have at our disposal, connected eventually to the historical procession that comes before and/or after it. Our flags comply rigorously with the ancient Sienese tradition: flag poles made exclusively from beechwood, 170 cms long, and cloths in hand printed material, 140 cms wide. Also our drums are made of hand-crafted materials, and rigorously keep to the ancient constructive traditions (wooden body, natural skins, etc). Together with the display of flag-wavers, or instead of it, we can perform a duel with real mediaeval swords, and our bowmen can give displays of archery from up to 20 mts. The arch we use is of the "naked" kind, that is without the help of view-finders, rocking arms and other modern elements; its style covers various periods in time and constructive types, thus giving the spectator an opportunity to learn about the use and the history of this object; all this is done in full compliance with the security measures that events of this kind require. Indeed, mostly any area is suitable for flag-wavers to perform, whereas bowmen need an area at least 25 mts long, with protection at the far end (a wall or an embankment are perfect), and spectators standing either on the right-hand side or behind the shooting line. Also other details of the bowmen's performance (type of target or silhouette) can be agreed on, with reference to the whole planned course of related events.

Finally, the costs. Our group is not made up of professionals, but entirely of lovers of "the art of flying flags, playing the drum or shooting arrows", so the finest reward is a big audience cheering at the end of our show, in praise of our performance. Unfortunately, however, everything has a cost for the upkeep, so all we ask for is a complete refund for those out-of-pocket expenses (journey, food, cleaning of costumes, etc) that we are obliged to face every time we perform, plus a small sum for the amortization of our equipment. That is why we can't quantify the amount of this refund beforehand: it depends on the kind of performance required, on the distance of the performing grounds from San Quirico, and the time it takes us to get there . . .

Our best credentials are the satisfaction of those who have already seen us at work, so do contact us without obligation, even only to have more information; we shall be able to decide together all we need to collaborate, thus making your event more interesting, or even only just a bit different. . . we are sure you won't be at all disappointed!

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The howl of the Dragon Riguardo and the Pope The Great Council

Quartiere di Canneti - Via Simone Martini, 37 - 53027 - San Quirico d'Orcia (Siena) - tel. e fax 0577-897642

E-mail: info@canneti.it