Who we are
Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori
The Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori are one of the oldest and most prestigious folklore groups in Italy, known for their choreographies that combine flags and acrobatics, drum marches and movements, and Renaissance music. The art of the Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori informally dates back to the 2nd century AD, originating from Cori, a small and charming pre-Roman city with a medieval fabric, where their adventure began in 1966.
Unique Performances
The drapes are hand-painted by the group members themselves, and the flag poles are carved, repeating Renaissance geometric patterns.
The performances and animations of the Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori are a unique combination of:
- Choreographies with flag throwing and artistic gymnastics acrobatics
- Drum marches
- Renaissance trumpet melodies
Festivals and Tradition
The Flag Throwers represent the colors of Rome and the Districts of the city of Cori. Through their founder and honorary president Prof. Giovanni Pistilli, they contributed to the founding of CIOFF Italy (1987) and the Italian Flag Throwers Federation (1966), which brings together over 100 flag thrower groups in Italy. They have participated in over 1500 events, including:
- Olympic Games
- EXPO
- UN events
Street Artists with Authentic Costumes
The artists of the Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori juggle the flags to the rhythm of live Renaissance music, wearing strictly handmade costumes recreated from Renaissance models, based on the ancient writings of the court master Francesco Ferdinando Alfieri.
The flags are also created with unique craftsmanship, from the hand-sewn and hand-painted drapes by the group members, to the flag poles, aged for twenty years and carved manually.
The Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori can enliven celebrations and bring joy to weddings, private parties, and public celebrations.
The flags are also created with unique craftsmanship, from the hand-sewn and hand-painted drapes by the group members, to the flag poles, aged for twenty years and carved manually.
The Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori can enliven celebrations and bring joy to weddings, private parties, and public celebrations.
Volunteering and Non-Profit Life
The Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori are a social promotion association that develops projects of social, cultural, and community life commitment. We believe in tradition and its ability to be passed down and innovated. Our flags, drums, and costumes are handmade, often by the members themselves and their families. We focus on young people, teaching them to sew, mend, and personalize their instruments.
The funds raised by the group are managed according to the principles of a non-profit organization based on volunteering. They are used to purchase materials, educational tools, and fund the travel of young members, supporting those with unfavorable economic conditions. All members of the board of directors work pro bono for the organization.
The funds raised by the group are managed according to the principles of a non-profit organization based on volunteering. They are used to purchase materials, educational tools, and fund the travel of young members, supporting those with unfavorable economic conditions. All members of the board of directors work pro bono for the organization.
The Flag Throwers and the City of Cori
Cori, anciently known as Cora, is a city rich in history and culture located an hour south of Rome and half an hour from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Legends attribute its origin to divine heroes such as Dardanus, Aeneas, and Corace. Archaeologically, human presence in the area is documented since the Middle Bronze Age (14th century BC) and a stable settlement is hypothesized from the Early Iron Age (10th-11th century BC).
During the archaic age (5th century BC), Cora was urbanistically structured and defended by imposing polygonal walls, still visible today, which created impressive terraces. Cora has always been a prosperous city, even minting its own coin, the "corano", now preserved at the Louvre in Paris. The city hosts numerous ancient monuments such as the Temple of Hercules, the Roman Chain Bridge, and the Temple of Castor and Pollux, which testify to Cori's rich archaeological past.
In addition to ancient remains, Cori boasts medieval jewels such as the Church of Sant'Oliva, which integrates Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, and the Chapel of the Annunciation, known as the "Scrovegni Chapel" of central Italy. Cori has maintained strong traditions and international relations over the centuries, evidenced by churches, noble palaces, and unique views.
The Flag Throwers in Cori have been a constant presence since the second century AD, when celebrations in honor of the Roman Church were animated by flag performances. It was only in the twentieth century that this tradition was systematized by Giovanni Pistilli, founder and honorary president of the Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori, with the founding of the association in 1966.
In addition to ancient remains, Cori boasts medieval jewels such as the Church of Sant'Oliva, which integrates Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, and the Chapel of the Annunciation, known as the "Scrovegni Chapel" of central Italy. Cori has maintained strong traditions and international relations over the centuries, evidenced by churches, noble palaces, and unique views.
The Flag Throwers in Cori have been a constant presence since the second century AD, when celebrations in honor of the Roman Church were animated by flag performances. It was only in the twentieth century that this tradition was systematized by Giovanni Pistilli, founder and honorary president of the Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori, with the founding of the association in 1966.Cori is also known for its extraordinary products such as oil, wine, bread, and biscuits, and hosts the Historical Carousel of the Districts of Cori, the longest-running event in Lazio, the Region of Rome. In the Historical Carousel, the Flag Throwers of the Districts of Cori have always played an important role in the animation. Cori is also a place of folklore and festivals, with one of the most important folklore festivals in Italy.