Over a thousand flag-wavers will play a key role in a folklore weekend. At the Tenzone Aurea in Montagnana, in the province of Padova, about ten thousand spectators are anticipated to watch the choreographed performances of the competitors who will compete to win the Italian titles in the five specialties.
Flag-wavers are the bridge connecting the past and present.
With performances, animations, and cultural events, the Tenzone Aurea, now in its 41st edition, will brighten up Montagnana from September 8 to 10. The town’s main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, will be transformed into the major competition area for the folkloric flag-wavers, who emphasize the connection between Italian history and the present. In fact, while flag wavers today are artists who make their flags dance, they were previously crucial strategic components for their towns, especially during wartime. They used a secret code that they guarded jealously and still pass down to this day to communicate with other sympathetic wards.
The Tenzone Aurea competitions
People still observe this custom today, and a new city is chosen each year to host the manifestation. In the 42nd edition, Montagnana suddenly travels back in time to the Middle Ages, complete with games, drumming, and flying flags. Five categories—single, pair, small team, large team, and musicians—will fight to win the Italian titles.
The opening ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday in Vittorio Emanuele II Square and will feature the participants’ parade. After the first event, on Saturday, September 9, the qualifying for the flag-wavers will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the traditional single, large team, and musician finals will take place in the evening. The traditional pair and small team finals, as well as singles and pairs qualifying, will take place on Sunday, October 10.
