Diotto

Scarperia was founded by decision of the Florentine Republic in 1306 to administrate and defend a vast territory north of Florence, on the slopes of Apennine Mountains.

In the beginning a Captain was appointed mainly with military purpose, then during the Renaissance in 1415 the figure changed in a Vicar who was able to manage and rule the growing town in every aspect.

[2] At the take office a celebration was held in the little village, primarily with tournaments, tug of war and arm wrestling, to show the new vicar the strength and stamina of the inhabitants.

A specialist player for every team has to climb a wooden pole about eight meters tall, grab a little flag (representing the Cockaigne), descend and run to the camp-master waiting in the middle of the square to give him the pennant before the opponent.

Since Scarperia was built by decision of the Republic of Florence in the 14th century and was the main "Terra nova" (new land) north of the city, when a Vicar was appointed the many nobles and families representing the Florentine aristocracy traveled to reach the village.

Nowadays, retracing the celebrations held back then, the pageant (Corteo storico) from Florence follows the incoming Vicar, escorted by armed soldiers as halberdiers, culverin conveyors and armigers, at the sound of drums and clarions,[5] accompanied by the gonfaloniere and flag throwers.

[6] After sunset the outgoing Vicar meets the incoming one with his own pageant from Scarperia and together they reach Piazza dei Vicari, where the herald describes the possessions that the new dignitary will rule.