Sbandieratori -- Flag Throwers -- in Florence!

Today we headed to Santa Croce for a chocolate festival.  I know... a chocolate festival in Florence!  It doesn't get much better, or at least that's what we thought until the flag throwers showed up!  

Many Italian cities have groups of flag throwers -- sbandieratori -- who perform and compete against each other.  They are generally accompanied by drummers and trumpets, as well.  This was the second time I was fortunate enough to see a group of flag throwers, and Shanda, my companion, taped them. So, I give you The Sbandiertori of Florence!