Marzocco Trophy

As is traditional, every 1 May the Trofeo del Marzocco takes place in Piazza Signoria (which has always been the political heart of Florence, dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio). This is a prestigious competition between teams of flag-wavers from across Italy. Among them, of course, there are the Bandierai degli Uffizi (Uffizi Flag-wavers) the stars of the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina (Historical Parade of the Florentine Repubblic).

The event-programme

The various flag-waving groups set off from Piazza di Parte Guelfa at 2.30 pm and arrive in Piazza Signoria where, at around 3.30 pm, the performances begin, accompanied by the sound of the Musici playing their traditional instruments, drums and trumpets. A truly unique spectacle, evoking ancient folk traditions – not to be missed! Find out all the details on Trofeo del Marzocco 2026 event page.

The Marzocco

In the Florentine Republic, the ‘Marzocco’ was a lion, a symbol of strength and popular power. Indeed, right behind Palazzo Vecchio, where Via de’ Leoni is today, there used to be a veritable menagerie where live lions were kept in cages. The term ‘Marzocco’ seems to derive from the Latin Martocus, meaning “little Mars”, in honour of the city’s first pagan patron: Mars, the god of war. The most famous Marzocco (a lion holding a shield bearing a lily) is Donatello’s sculpture in Piazza della Signoria, symbolically guarding Palazzo Vecchio, the original of which is preserved in the Bargello Museum.