By DEBORAH DIAZ
The flags of medieval Italy have been flying over the American Express NZ Cup Village.
Imagine flags thrown straight up in the air like javelins, unfurling at the height of their trajectory. Add men in tights, acrobatics, bugles and drums.
Seeing was believing for the crowds at the Viaduct Harbour on Saturday.
The Cup fever sweeping Italy has inspired the town of Arrezo - home of Prada owner Patrizio Bertelli - to send a delegation of 20 performers to Auckland.
Arrezo is famous for its Renaissance history, art and architecture and its flagwavers once helped to protect the province of Tuscany from Muslim invaders who raided coastal towns from the sea.
Today their 14th-century traditions are preserved by a 70-strong troupe who travel the world, although this is their first visit to Australasia.
They also re-enact jousting tournaments twice a year.
Armando Cherici, Arrezo's councillor for cultural affairs, says the troupe's mission is a non-partisan one. "We will cheer for New Zealand too."
The flagwavers will perform in Queen Elizabeth Square at 1 pm today.
Bertelli's town flies the flag - for both teams
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