Waiting for Christmas #TogetherIsBetter

The Medieval Christmas of the Bandierai of L'Aquila

"Waiting for Christmas #TogetherIsBetter" is the most distinctive Christmas event in the historic center of L'Aquila, in the heart of Abruzzo. Conceived and organized by the Bandierai dei Quattro Quarti Historical Association, the event brings the atmosphere of Christmas blended with the charm of the Middle Ages to the city for two days in December, featuring flags swirling in the air, drum rolls, trumpet fanfares, and ladies in costume bringing the alleys and palaces of the Abruzzese capital to life.

The Quattro Quarti and local tradition

The association was founded to spread the passion for the art of flag-waving and to recount the historical origins of L'Aquila, the city founded and divided since the 13th century into its Quattro Quarti (Four Quarters) — San Giovanni, San Pietro, Santa Giusta, and Santa Maria — each with its own color and identity. This festival is the way the group's young flag-wavers share L'Aquila's historical heritage with the community, uniting the historic center and local associations in one large, participatory event.

What to expect

The program combines spectacle with conviviality and family entertainment. Recurring highlights include:

• Christmas markets featuring crafts, decorations, and creations made by the Bandierai;
• Historical parade and roving performances with flag-wavers, drummers, trumpeters, and ladies in period costumes;
• The arrival of Babbo Bandieraio, who collects letters from the little ones and distributes gifts;
• Creative workshops and children's entertainment: face painting, giant bubbles, juggling, balloon sculpting, storytelling, and interactive fairy tales;
• Musical moments and a final collective toast to close the festival.

An event for the whole city

Hosted over the years between the Palazzetto dei Nobili and the 17th-century Palazzo Burri Gatti on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the event is designed to engage all age groups and bring life and warmth back to L'Aquila's historic center during the Advent season. It is an opportunity to rediscover the charm of the Abruzzese capital, its history, and its traditions, especially as L'Aquila prepares for its year as the Italian Capital of Culture.