Festival of Flags

Flags fluttering in the village of Artena

The Festival of Flags is the summer event that transforms the historic center of Artena—a charming village in the Lepini Mountains near Rome—into an open-air stage dedicated to the art of flag-wavers and musicians. Through the car-free alleys and stairways of the town, colorful flags dance to the rhythm of drums and clarions, evoking the atmosphere of Renaissance tournaments and festivities.

A festival in memory

The event is organized by the Alfieri del Cardinal Borghese Flag-wavers and Musicians Association of Artena and is dedicated to the memory of Francesco Palone, a young local drummer who passed away prematurely in 2017. One of the evening's awards, the « Francesco Palone » Musicians Award, is named in his honor and presented by the masters of the Artena Music Center to one of the guest groups. A second honor, the « Feudo di Montefortino » Award (named after the village's ancient name), recognizes the best historical group, as judged by a panel comprising the Artena Palio Board, the Lazio Historical Events Federation, and local authorities.

Parades, challenges, and shows

The day begins in the late afternoon with performances by youth sections and a costume parade through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by representatives of the Artena Palio historical pageant. In the evening, senior groups compete in the classic disciplines of flag-waving:

• Singles and Pairs, tests of individual dexterity;
• Large Team, featuring choral choreographies with cross-tosses;
• Musicians, with drums and clarions setting the rhythm for the performances.

The home teams are joined by guest groups from across Lazio, such as the Sbandieratori dei Rioni di Cori, the Sbandieratori e Musici di Velletri, and other regional formations, in a competition that blends tradition, technique, and spectacle.

More than just flags

Surrounding the performances, the historic center of Artena comes alive with craft and local product markets, food stalls, tastings, and activities for children. In some editions, the Festival coincides with the White Night of sales, featuring special opening hours for local shops that extend the festivities late into the evening. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Artena and the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital.

Artena, a village to discover

Nestled on a steep slope of the Lepini Mountains, Artena is famous for its entirely pedestrian historic center, a labyrinth of alleys, arches, and stone houses cascading down the hillside. Attending the Festival of Flags is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most characteristic villages in Lazio, just a short distance from Rome, and to experience a summer evening filled with folklore, history, and community spirit.