Last August, the Bandierai degli Uffizi had the honor of once again representing Italy at the Debrecen Flower Carnival, one of Hungary’s most important and spectacular events. Two years after our previous participation, our group was invited back to take part in this extraordinary festival, which transforms the city into an open-air stage for two weeks with parades, performances, and concerts.
The Florentine delegation, consisting of 48 members, had the opportunity to perform on multiple occasions in the days leading up to the grand final parade. In addition to performances in the heart of Debrecen, the Bandierai also brought the colors and traditions of Florence to nearby towns, receiving warm applause and heartfelt appreciation from the Hungarian audience.
The day of the final parade was an unforgettable experience. In front of an audience of over 350,000 people and with live television coverage on Hungary’s national channel, our group marched through the city’s main streets, cheered on by the enthusiastic shouts of children lining the barricades. Every flag throw was met with applause and exclamations of wonder, a clear sign that our art captivates and amazes even beyond Italy’s borders.
The emotions were even stronger as we passed through the city’s outskirts, where the parade wound its way through avenues revealing a reality far removed from the grandeur of the city center. The local people, leaning out of the windows of dormitory buildings or gathered along the route, conveyed a genuine warmth, reciprocating the energy of our performance with deep emotion. Particularly touching were the spontaneous hugs from children, who eagerly waited by the roadside with eyes full of wonder to greet us up close.
To crown this extraordinary experience, we received an official thank you from the organizing committee and had the honor of meeting Debrecen’s Mayor, László Papp, confirming the city’s interest and appreciation for our group. A tangible sign of our impact was the unexpected yet remarkable discovery of magnets and mugs featuring images from our previous participation at the Flower Carnival in a local souvenir shop—a heartfelt recognition of the mark our performance left on the city.
Our participation in the Debrecen Flower Carnival 2023 was yet another confirmation of the cultural and artistic value of the Bandierai degli Uffizi. Bringing the Florentine tradition abroad and receiving such a warm welcome fills us with pride and motivates us to continue sharing our art with the world.
We extend our gratitude to the organizers for the invitation, the Hungarian audience for their heartfelt affection, and everyone who made this incredible experience possible. Debrecen and its Flower Carnival will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Bandierai degli Uffizi
