On May 1, a national holiday in Italy, Florence holds a flag tossing competition.
Master flag handlers from various Italian cities come to Florence to compete in this Il Trofeo Marzocco.

The competition, becomes something of a ceremony as the master flag throwers process into Florence's main square
the Pza. Signoria, accompannied by drummers and trumpeters all dressed in the Florentine Renaissance costumes.
Crowds gathered early and watching the coopetition between various cities nearby was great fun.

This image shows the flag bearer and Master of the Florentines at the head of the drum corps