Astiludio Federale

The Astiludio Federale: Volterra's Festival of Flags

Every year at the start of summer, the stunning Piazza dei Priori in Volterra, located in the heart of the Tuscan province of Pisa, transforms into the stage for the Astiludio Federale: a competitive tournament for flag-wavers organized by the Gruppo Storico Sbandieratori e Balestrieri Città di Volterra. Unlike the Astiludio Storico, which takes place on the first Sunday of September and focuses on overall spectacle, the June federal edition is purely athletic. Performances are judged according to the technical criteria of the Italian Flag-Wavers Federation (F.I.S.B.), of which the Volterra group has been a member since 1980.

Origins and Tradition

The term "Astiludio" comes from the medieval Latin hasta (spear/flag) and ludus (game/festival). The tradition dates back to 1406, when Volterra celebrated its streets with flag-waving displays and games. The modern event was established in 1981, two years after the founding of the Historical Group, and has since grown into a landmark event for enthusiasts of historical re-enactment and the art of flag-waving.

Competitions and Categories

The Astiludio Federale is divided into several categories and age groups. Competitions include:

• Individual and pair events, testing the skill of the individual flag-bearer;
• Small team and large team, featuring choral choreography and synchronized tosses;
• The musicians category, dedicated to the drummers and trumpeters who accompany the performances;
• The Astiludio Giovanile, reserved for beginners and young flag-wavers categorized by age.

The day concludes with the awards ceremony and the presentation of the Bravìo, a coveted alabaster trophy crafted annually by a local artist—a material that has made Volterra world-famous for centuries.

A Medieval Atmosphere in the Heart of Volterra

Costumed processions, multicolored flags swirling against the facade of the Palazzo dei Priori, and the roll of drums transport visitors back to the atmosphere of Renaissance Volterra. Recognized as a Historical Event of the Tuscany Region, the festival attracts groups from across the peninsula, particularly from cities with deep-rooted flag-waving traditions. Admission is free, making this the perfect opportunity to discover one of Tuscany's most fascinating art cities, renowned for its alabaster and its well-preserved Etruscan and medieval historic center.