About us

The “Gruppo Sbandieratori e Tamburini di Montepulciano” (Montepulciano’s Flag Wavers and Drummers Group) was founded in 2007 by a team of young people who shared a passion for the historical discipline of flags and drums. Today, after almost 20 years of experience, the Group represents Montepulciano and its traditional flag-waving in the main Italian and European historical re-enactments.

The Group is strongly linked to the “Bravìo delle Botti di Montepulciano”, a famous historical re-enactment in which eight “contrade” (districts) compete for a painted cloth, the “Bravium”, pushing empty wine barrels weighing about 80 kg along the streets of the historical town centre.

The Bravìo delle Botti is held in the last week of August and includes several events, during which the group’s flag-wavers and drummers perform in shows in the Renaissance main square (Piazza Grande), staging highly spectacular choreographies to the rhythm of imperial and snare drums.

In addition to Montepulciano’s magnificent setting, the Group is often invited to perform at historical re-enactments, cultural events and folklore exhibitions of various kinds, both in Italy and around the world.

The Group’s repertoire is heterogeneous and suitable for various types of events, including private ones (weddings, inaugurations, etc.). In fact, it includes both fast and explosive choreographies and performances, as well as movements and pieces that are the result of careful historical research, framed within the traditional Montepulciano’s flag-waving.