Italian flag throwers take part in Astana Day celebrations

(AGI) Astana, July 7 - Flag throwers from the Italian city of Cori have traveled to Astana to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the Kazakh capital. Fourteen members of the "Historic Flag Wavers of Cori's Contrade" ["contrade" being the term for city districts typically dating back to the Middle Ages, ed.] flew to the Central-Asian republic to perform their routines as part of the city's celebrations. Their participation was "a tribute to the Year of Italian Culture in Kazakhstan", Italy's Ambassador to Astana, Stefano Ravagnan, told AGI. The performance roused a great deal of curiosity among the public, as the flag wavers' participation in the parade down the capital's streets was broadcast on national television. Founded in 1976 to promote awareness of the ancient skill, the "Historic Flag Wavers of Cori's Contrade" perpetuate and develop the culture of the ancient people of Cori by spreading it across the globe with their flags. The theatrical performance relies on the entire group working in harmony, as the performers deftly wave and throw their flags to the sound of the trumpets and rapid beat of the drums, drawing ancient and spectacular shapes in the air in a crescendo of vaults and throws to each other. The folk atmosphere of the distant past is recreated thanks to: the standard-bearer, trumpet and drum players; the flag wavers themselves; and the splendid Renaissance attire, sounds, and games. The Year of Italian Culture in Kazakhstan will continue till October with a series of initiatives, such as the theatrical production "Being Leonardo da Vinci. An impossible interview". There will also be an exhibition by the Mosaic School of Spilimbergo alongside the Ceramics of Deruta, first being held in Almaty and then in Astana. (AGI). .