The show didn’t betray the high expectations everyone had: flags and drums of historical groups of Montepulciano, Pienza, Torrita di Siena and Castiglion Fiorentino brightened the evening of Saturday 4th July, with a superb parade along the streets of Montepulciano and a contest in the marvelous setting offered by Piazza Grande. Many were the spectators, both tourists and locals, which had the chance to witness the choreographies of the groups that took part in the competition: “Gruppo Musici e Sbandieratori” from Pienza, “Gruppo Storico Sbandieratori e Musici Il Cassero” from Castiglion Fiorentino, “Gruppo Sbandieratori e Tamburini” from Montepulciano and “Gruppo Sbandieratori e Tamburini del Palio dei Somari” from Torrita di Siena.
The winner is Castiglion Fiorentino. This edition was won by “Il Cassero” district from Castiglion Fiorentino, who was the first winner of the “BCC Montepulciano” trophy. The jury of the contest, made up of two members for each group, announced the victory of the contestants from Castiglion Fiorentino, who won the cash prize offered by the BCC bank. Single categories were also awarded prizes: the “Gruppo Sbandieratori e Tamburini” from Montepulciano won for the best flag wavers, whereas “Il Cassero” from Castiglion Fiorentino also triumphed as best musicians. All the competing groups were also rewarded with fine ceramics made by the Montepulciano’s artisan Roberta Rocchi.
Nobile wine and good music. This year’s Flag Festival was not solely focused on the historical groups challenge. The lucky spectators were also able to cheer with Montepulciano’s famous Nobile and Red wine – whose tasting was organized by Fisar Valdichiana’s sommeliers and to enjoy “The Ship of Fools” live music. The Magistrato delle Contrade is thankful to the many participants, and hopes to make this Flag Festival a yearly appointment among the many already offered by Montepulciano’s summer. Many thanks obviously go to Montepulciano’s BCC bank, the municipal administration, the Fisar Valdichiana delegation and the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, but above all to the tireless girls and boys of the Magistrato delle Contrade’s administration board, which physically set up the whole event.