The Bandierai degli Uffizi had the honor of participating for the second time in two years in one of the most iconic events in Spanish tradition: the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos. With over 400,000 spectators and a live broadcast on Spain’s first television network, this celebration was a unique opportunity to bring Florentine traditions to the heart of Madrid.

The day of January 5 began with a special performance inside the immense Retiro Park, a green lung in the heart of the city. Here, among the families, tourists, cyclists and runners who stopped to admire our show, we had the privilege of performing in the presence of important authorities: Marta María Rivera de la Cruz, Councillor for Culture, Tourism and Sports of the Ayuntamiento de Madrid, and Dr. Simona Battiloro, Head of the Commercial Office of the Italian Embassy in Madrid, whom we thank respectively for their invitation and support.

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t was a privilege for us to renew our participation in the Cabalgata two years after our first experience. This time, we had the honor of opening the parade of participating groups, following the historic parade of Madrid’s law enforcement agencies.

The most exciting moment was definitely our final performance in front of the majestic Palacio de Cibeles, before the final fireworks display, where we waved a special flag in tribute to the Valencian Community, which was hit by a devastating cloudburst last October. Carrying it, with pride and skill, was Leonardo Chiussi, our substitute group leader and oldest member of the trip.

The Cabalgata is not just a parade, but a community celebration. The streets were packed with enthusiastic families and children, ready to collect the candy thrown from the floats. Their smiles and shouts of joy were the most precious gift we could receive.

With a group of 30 members, including 18 flag-wavers, we colored the wide streets of downtown Madrid, capturing the attention of the audience who cheered us on with the cry of “Otra vez! Otra vez!” Their cheers urged us to outdo ourselves, with flag throws one after another to the rhythm of our festive drums.

This time we do not want to celebrate our performances, but to thank the Madrid audience, the real protagonists of this wonderful experience.

We recommend everyone to experience at least once in their life the magical atmosphere of the Cabalgata.

Thank you, Madrid. Thank you, Spain. We will be back soon.