by Chris Smith
The Sansepolcro Flag-Wavers, a group of drummers, trumpeters and flag-wavers from the Tuscan region of Italy, will perform at noon Friday, March 20, in front of the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The performance, held in honor of St. Joseph's Day on thursday, March 19, is free and open to the public.
During the late Middle Ages, Europe was often afflicted by wars, and the standard-bearing officers were those who led the troops into battle. In periods of peace, the standard-bearers would meet in order to develop and improve their techniques; over time, greater emphasis was given to perfecting more complicated routines. That's how the flag-wavers came to be.