Provincial Bersaglieri Rally

A crimson rally in the heart of Valdarno

The Provincial Bersaglieri Rally is one of the most heartfelt historical and commemorative events in the calendar of San Giovanni Valdarno, in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany. For two days, the town dresses in the characteristic crimson color and the feathered fez of the Corps, welcoming the "black feathers" and the brass bands arriving from all over the Arezzo province and beyond. The event is promoted by the local "Tenente Piero Sansoni" section of the National Bersaglieri Association, with the patronage, contribution, and collaboration of the Municipality of San Giovanni Valdarno and the Regional Council of Tuscany.

The parade and the brass bands

The most anticipated moment is the provincial parade on Sunday: the units gather in Piazza Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa for the assembly, and from there, the procession winds through the main streets of the historic center, accompanied by the unmistakable notes of the Bersaglieri brass bands, played at a run according to the Corps' tradition. The day includes the laying of a wreath at the war memorial and a commemorative ceremony at the Bersagliere monument, culminating in the brass band concert in Piazza Cavour, which also features the Siena band.

Remembrance and historical exhibition

Alongside the celebrations, the rally offers a historical exhibition dedicated to the Bersaglieri, set up in the evocative Pieve di San Giovanni Battista in Piazza Cavour, featuring documents, photographs, and memorabilia. There is also an educational dimension, with a conference aimed at high school students hosted in the David Sassoli hall of the Palomar Cultural Center, to pass on the values of memory and sacrifice to the younger generation.

A deep bond with the city

San Giovanni Valdarno boasts an ancient relationship with the Bersaglieri Corps: the local section does not only deal with rallies and commemorative events but also carries out important social work in support of the Valdarno community. The rally is therefore also an occasion for popular celebration and sharing that involves citizens and visitors in an atmosphere of participation, blending history, military tradition, and local identity.

San Giovanni Valdarno

Founded at the behest of the Republic of Florence and home to the painter Masaccio, San Giovanni Valdarno is one of the most vibrant cities in the Arezzo Arno valley. Its arcaded squares and well-preserved historic center provide a scenic backdrop for the crimson parade, making the rally an experience to be enjoyed while strolling through the historic buildings of the Valdarno municipality.