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The Festa della Bandiera (Feast of the Flag) is a historical re-enactment that takes place every year in May in Morano Calabro (Province of Cosenza), one of Italy's Most Beautiful Historic Towns.
The Flag Festival in Morano Calabro is linked to the celebrations for the town's patron saint, Bernardino of Siena, and to the episode known as the 'Beheading of the Moor', which is of great historical and iconographic significance. The Flag Festival commemorates the historic Battle of Petrafocu (1096), fought for the conquest of the area, in which the town of Morano Calabro (also known as the 'Pollino Nativity Scene', located in the heart of the Pollino National Park) emerged victorious over the Saracen pirates who were besieging it, leading to the beheading of the 'Moorish' captain, hence Morano's municipal coat of arms ('Moor's Head').
Steeped in rituals and symbolism, the historical re-enactment, now known as the Festa della Bandiera, takes place every year at the end of May and recreates an ancient ritual: the three key figures are the Mastrogiurato, the Castellano and the Notaro, around whom revolve other characters typical of the local Middle Ages; the main scene takes place at Morano Castle, which houses the ancient 'Bandiera Regia' (Royal Banner). Sacred and secular rituals come together in a solemn mass in honour of St Bernardine.
Over the years, the Flag Festival in Morano Calabro has been enhanced with set designs, participants in Renaissance costumes, flag bearers and men-at-arms, becoming one of the most eagerly anticipated events for the local population and for visitors who come to the village from all over the region.
87016 Morano Calabro CS, Italia
