In the weekend before Ferrara's Palio, there are various medieval competitions held. On May 16th, 2010, we observed the flag throwing and music competitions in Ferrara. The picture shows a very skilled competitor in the individual flag throwing competition. There is also a group competition.
Flag throwing most likely had its greatest development during wartime, when flag carriers were important in transmitting information to the troops, as well as keeping the flag out of the hands of the enemy, who could use it to transmit incorrect information and thus gain the upper hand in a battle.
Flag throwing isn't limited to Italy, other countries like Switzerland also have groups that exhibit their skills in flag throwing.
In Ferrara, the flag competition was accompanied by drumming and heraldic trumpet playing. You can see this in a video: Ferrara: Flag Throwing Competition
I highly recommend a visit to Ferrara in May, when weekends feature lots of medieval competitions. At the end there is the Palio, a hourse race that Ferrara claims is the oldest palio competition in the world.
