The group of archers, arbalesters and medieval court dressed in luxury Renaissance costumes give a fabulous performance. The whole group includes archers, arbalesters, swordsmen, banner bearers, courtiers, servants, drummers, trumpeters and other figurants, and is considered to be the heart and the soul of a historic reenactment known as the “Caccia al cinghiale” (Wild Boar Hunt).

This event reproduces a moment in history that represents some fragments of Historic Reenactment “Boar Hunt” . This festival takes place every year in Mondavio from the 12th till the 15th August and attracts many visitors from different countries. Archers and arbalesters remind to spectators about a brigade known as “Brigata Feltria”, a military company that was at service of the commanders Federico from Montefeltro and Giovanni della Rovere. The Group of Archers performs in public not only in Italy but also abroad.

The show comprises animations with drums, trumpets and bombards as well as performances in the squares, courtyards, gardens, and is divided in different parts such as:

• Greeting to the host city and brief presentation of the event
• Demonstrations of target archery techniques
• Precision shooting with crossbow
• Demonstration of banners and flag as a signal to fight
• Duel simulation with swords and sticks
• Games among courtiers with ribbon, the game ”grande medusa”
• Greeting hymn of the Group of Archers accompanied with best choreographies and fireworks

The components

The usage of target archery goes back to ancient times. It is considered to be the oldest weapon at a distance widely used in the Middle Ages. The archers arrange knockout competitions in which they show in public their skills.

Crossbow is a kind of a perfectioned traditional bow with introduction of the mechanical system that permits to draw a heavy-duty bow but with less effort. Ancient crossbows, that was used in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance period, could be portable or positioned and could shot darts to the target called “corniolo”. Arbalesters execute a precision test with crossbow.

The Court and the maids offer to their public animations and games that usually were performed in the Renaissance Courts. For example the aim of the game with ribbons was to create different figures symbolizing sea, waves, stars, medusa, shell or net. Fire and smoke help to create a scenery.

Colors and symbols on the cloth of standard-bearers have its particular meaning and usage: it was used as a heraldic distinguishing mark that helped to orientate in a battle. Standard-bearers make movements that reproduce signals to fight.

Musicians play different pieces, blasts and reworkings of the renaissance compositions. Drum and trumpet, considered for many years as a guide on war, now play the leading role in the show.