The joyful and colorful performance of the Flag Flyers and Musicians of St. Anna in Piaggia in Jeddah last June during the celebrations for the Italian Feast of the Republic, earned the group a second invitation to perform in the Gulf Region between Nov. 28 and Dec. 2.

Invited this time by the Italian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, a larger group of 20 young flag bearers and musicians, wearing traditional costumes (that soldiers of the ancient Republic of Lucca used to wear), took part in the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates’ independence (1971 – 2011).

“We’re proud that a group from Lucca was chosen for the second time to represent our city and our nation abroad,” said Arts and Culture Assessor for the City of Lucca, Letizia Bandoni. “This invitation represents a significant recognition to the activity of St. Anna in Piaggia’s historical group. I’m sure that these young performers will be excellent ambassadors for Lucca and our country,” she added.

The organization of St. Anna Flag Flyers and Musician, dedicated to historical reenactment, was founded in 1994 through the Youth Section of the Blood Donors Fraternity of St. Anna to promote volunteer work among youths and arouse their interest in sports associated with historical events.

Since then, the group was invited to perform in historical ceremonies in Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and recently, Saudi Arabia.

The troupe’s second journey in the Middle East started on Nov. 28 with a performance at Abu Dhabi Mall where a surprised public, hearing the sound of drums, started to gather around the performers and bend from the mall’s various floors to watch. The following days, performances continued at Dubai’s Creek Park, Dubai Mall, Sharjah’s Al Qasba and Umm Al Qwain’s Ministry of Culture.

“In the Emirate of Sharjah, we were followed by a crowd of delighted children and adults that security difficultly contained. We crossed the two avenues parallel to the canal and performed in various internal areas, including the zone of the panoramic wheel, Sharjah’s main touristic attraction,” one of the performers told Arab News.

The overwhelming mixture of modernity and tradition that characterizes the Emirates’ principal cities, and the Gulf area in general, represented an intense experience for most of these young performers — some of who didn’t get the chance to perform in Saudi Arabia and had never been in the Middle East before.

Just like in Jeddah, an official invitation thus became an occasion to go sightseeing, experiment the flavors of traditional Arab souqs and enjoy the recreational facilities that the Emirates offer in abundance.

“The more traditional area of the Dubai Creek was particularly fascinating. We crossed the canal using steam ships and reached an old-style bazaar where we bought several souvenirs. It was amusing to bargain on the price, as we learned from the experience at Balad’s souq in Jeddah,” said the same performer.

The group concluded the performances at Dubai Mall on Dec. 2 — the day the Emirates officially celebrate their national day. “That day, Dubai shined with colors, lights and sounds. The Emirates’ flags adorned cars and people filled the streets beeping, shouting and dancing. It remind me of the 2006 world championship when Italy was overwhelmed by a similar atmosphere,” said the performer.
 
To know more about the group and their performance in Jeddah, please visit: