Rione de' Brozzi — Medieval Flag Throwers & Musicians

History & Heritage

Our Story

The roots of Rione de' Brozzi reach back to the early thirteenth century, when Lugo was contested between the Papacy and the Counts of Cunio. In the fifteenth century the town came under Este rule, whose dukes promoted the renewal of the Rocca and the restoration of the city gates. The neighbourhood stretched along what is now Corso Mazzini, bounded to the west by its distinctive gate.

The name of the rione is said to derive from an ancient family that owned farmland in the area; others trace it to the many birocci (carts) that once travelled that road to reach the market at the city centre.

The Porta di Brozzi — restored in 1477 — is the symbol of the Rione: depicted on the crest, set within a shield topped by a plumed helmet, it bears the yellow and green colours that have identified us for over half a century.

The Rione de' Brozzi as an association was founded in 1969 and today brings together over 130 members — athletes, historical procession participants and volunteers. From the piazzas of Italy to international events, we carry the name of Lugo across the world.

The Rione in action

Our Activities

Flag Throwers

Flags have an ancient history: used in battle to relay commands, they became protagonists of medieval jousts and processions. Our group competes across all four federation disciplines — Solo, Pair, Small Squad and Large Squad of up to 16 athletes — in both senior and under-15 categories.

Musicians

The Musicians group comprises chiarine (long brass trumpets with a piercing tone) and hand-crafted drums, in both senior and under-15 categories. Their driving rhythms and medieval melodies faithfully evoke the court of Borso d'Este, accompanying the flag throwers in perfect harmony.

Palio della Caveja

At the heart of the Pavaglione the most anticipated contest unfolds: a four-way tug-of-war in which the rioni vie for the caveja — the ancient cart-wheel hub, symbol of the Romagna countryside. Each team fields six pullers and a zarladòr who directs strategy. Tactics, synchrony, endurance.

Historical Procession

The Historical Procession is inspired by Lugo in 1471, the year Duke Borso d'Este passed through the town on his way to Rome. Costumes and staging are faithful to the iconography of the fifteenth-century Este court: the Constable, the Captain of Porta Brozzi, the nobles of the ancient borough.

For event organisers

Our Performances

Rione de' Brozzi presents a complete historical re-enactment show: flag throwers, musicians and costumed procession, capable of bringing to life any piazza, festival, fair, medieval market or cultural event of any scale.

From a solo flag-throwing display to a grand squad of 16 in the field, from the fanfare of trumpets and drums to the procession in authentic fifteenth-century Este dress: every element is crafted with care, with historically documented costumes and period music.

We perform across Italy and Europe. For enquiries, availability and quotations, write to us at info@rionedebrozzi.it

Bring the Show to Your Event