Participants of the 2025 Parade

About: 

“AB VRBE CONDITA” brings together, under the coordination of APS Civiltà Romana, some of Rome’s most experienced historical reenactment groups, which participate in the event “ab urbe condita. Rome, Light of Civilization,” now in its 13th edition.

Founded in Rome in 2010, APS Civiltà Romana boasts approximately 50 members each year from all over Italy and abroad. The organization studies and reconstructs various aspects of life in Ancient Rome, primarily from the 1st century AD.

The themes of the reconstructions include: the Legio XIII Gemina with armaments, military tactics, panoplies, commands in Latin, and camp setups. Civil and religious life with Latin rituals, such as marriage (cumfarreatio), the sacred military rite of lustratio armorum, funerals, the manumission of slaves, and educational exhibits on food and cuisine, bread-making, medicine, makeup and wigs with the Ornatrix, jewelry, as well as a school with a magister, ointments and pharmacy, the Lupanare, with all its social and medical aspects explained by the Lenone, coin minting, ancient writing, engineering of roads and aqueducts. Lastly, there is the Ludus, a gladiator school where our instructors (Lanisti) practice the art of gladiatorial combat and share insights into the history of gladiator classes and the life of a gladiator, engaging children in training designed for them. Our members also participate in docudramas, TV appearances, or theatrical performances, often acting at archaeological sites.

The flagship event organized by the Civiltà Romana Association is “AB VRBE CONDITA, Rome – Light of Civilization,” now in its 13th edition, held at various archaeological sites and museums in the capital, with the collaboration of numerous top-level reenactment groups.

Social Media: 

Website: www.civiltaromana.it

Facebook: APS CIVILTA’ ROMANA

About: 

We are the Castel Chiodato Marching Band (Province of Rome), Italy. Our group, whose origins are lost in the mists of time, was re-established in 1986. It is currently composed of 40 members, most of whom are very young. We perform military and lively marches during parades, as well as light music; in processions, we play religious-themed pieces. We also perform concerts of classical, opera, and light music.

About the Director:

The band’s conductor since 2005 is a graduate of the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia (Rome) in Bass Tuba. He completed the lower course of piano at the Licinio Refice Conservatory in Frosinone and is currently pursuing a degree in Organ at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia (Rome). He has performed as a tuba player with the Italian Cinema Orchestra, directed by Maestro Nicola Piovani; with the Roma Sinfonietta Orchestra, directed by Maestro Ennio Morricone; with the European Union Symphony Orchestra; and with the Experimental Opera Theatre Orchestra of Spoleto.

Social Media:

Facebook: BandaCastelchiodato

Instagram: Banda_Castelchiodato

YouTube: Banda_Castelchiodato

About:

The Association is based in Vejano (VT), was founded in 1906, and since then has always focused its activities on preserving the band tradition and promoting musical culture. It performs in parades and concerts at the regional and national levels.

The Association has been the official band for the transportation of the Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo for over twenty-five years.

Band Director:

Maestro Antonio Moretti

Social Media:

Website: AFVejanese

Facebook: AFVejanese

Instagram: AFVejanese

Youtube: AFVejanese

About:

The Majorettes Group of Orbassano is one of the longest-standing associations in the Municipality of Orbassano, located in the province of Turin. Founded in 1974, the Group actively participates in various events at the municipal, regional, and national levels. The majorettes are divided by age into mini majorettes, junior, senior, and sound group (imperial and snare drums).

In 2019, a delegation participated in the Columbus Day Parade in New York, marching along Fifth Avenue during the Columbus Day celebrations.

About the Director:

Michela Fiorile, born in 1958, began her presidency in 2001. From clothing to bureaucracy, she has managed the group with great organization and determination for over 20 years. She aims to have the group participate in prestigious local and national events.

Social Media: 

Website: majorettesorbassano

Facebook: majorettesorbassano

Instagram: majorettesorbassano

About: 

The origins of La Banda di Fiano Romano are steeped in history. There was a group of musicians already present in Fiano at the end of the XIX century, as shown by pictures and documents from the period. The first official acknowledgment of this group of musicians by the Municipal Council was on the 5 January 1902, exactly 120 years ago! Over the many years, the band has performed in various and important events. The band performs in parades to the sound of cheerful bright marches and offers a repertoire of static performances playing a wide range of popular music and symphonic marches. The staff includes four generations of musicians, many of which are highly experienced music teachers.

About the Director:

Born in Avetrana, Taranto, Italy, Maestro Surio graduated in clarinet from the “Giovanni Paisiello” Conservatory in Taranto. He joined the Guardia di Finanza band in 1961 and continued with them up until 1981. In 1980 he became part of the RAI Symphony Orchestra of Turin, until 1983. From 1981 to 2009 he taught clarinet at the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatory in L’Aquila. He was director of the Instrumental Complex “G. Verdi” of Passo Corese – Fara in Sabina (Rieti) from 1983 to 2000 and took part in several tours including ones to New York and Costa Rica. Since 2010, he holds the position of maestro, artistic director and teacher of the “Banda Musicale di Fiano Romano”.

Social Media:

Website: www.bandamusicalefianoromano.it

Facebook: @bandamusicalefiano

Instagram: banda_musicale_fiano_romano

YouTube: Banda Musicale Fiano Romano

About: 

The band founded in 1972, it is one of the most well-known and established band ensembles in the central Lazio region. It has participated in national and international music festivals in Italy, Belgium, France, Croatia, and Austria. The band has appeared on numerous broadcasts on national television channels RAI and TV 2000. It has performed for each of the last three popes: John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.

The band boasts the oldest bandleader in Italy, Enrico Chiacchiararelli, who is 88 years old.

About the Director: 

Maestro Lgt. Mario Muraglione was for 36 years the first bass clarinet of the Italian Army Band. He has  over thirty years of band conducting, pre-academic teaching and musical research. From 1985 to 2012 he was Director of the Band “G.P. da Palestrina” of Palestrina (Rome). Since 2012 he has been artistic Director of the Band “Giacomo Puccini – Città di Cave”, with which he carries out an intense concert and teaching activity.

Social Media: 

Facebook: giacomopuccinicave

Instagram: bandamusicalepuccinicave

About: 

The Bedizzole Marching Band is a group of young musicians who, after an impressive 126 years of activity as a traditional band, transformed in 2006 into the ensemble you see today. From the start, they began competing in Italian marching band championships, achieving excellent results. Among the greatest satisfactions for these young members is receiving numerous invitations, both nationally and internationally, allowing them to participate in a wide variety of musical events and spread the art of marching band performance.

Our group consists of young musicians and color guards, all passionate about sharing the marching spirit and participating in various events. We also have a large music academy, and our motto is “one band, one sound.”

About the Director:

Since 2017, Matteo Rebecchi, 29 years old, has been the President of the Bedizzole Marching Band. He started playing the euphonium (baritone) at the age of 6, eventually joining the Bedizzole Band, which later evolved into the Bedizzole Marching Band. Matteo has participated in numerous Italian championships and has gained experience in both Italy and abroad. Currently, along with Matteo, Maestro Nicola Orsato, a conservatory graduate with extensive musical experience, has been leading and coordinating the marching band you see today for several years.

Social Media:

Website: bedizzolemarchingband

Facebook: bedizzolemarchingband

Instagram: bedizzolemarchingband

Youtube: bedizzolemarchingband

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The fearless and feared Centurion in his iconic Roman legionnaire’s uniform flies above the crowds ever-ready to form the famous impenetrable turtle battle formation to protect Rome from any marauding barbarians.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About:

“I Pifferi di Ponte e Albarola” is the original name of the Pontolliese Band Corps, dating back to its founding in 1752, according to historical records. Over the years, the group has received numerous accolades by participating in important events such as the Valle d’Itria International Festival in Cisternino and the Giulianova International Festival. Since 1960, it has taken on the role of the Piacenza Alpini Fanfarra. The band consists of more than 50 musicians and over 25 majorettes, performing a repertoire that spans both classical and modern genres, and it also has its own music school.

About the Director:

Edoardo Mazzoni graduated in flute, jazz music, and instrumental teaching from the prestigious Nicolini Conservatory in Piacenza, where he also studied saxophone and composition. He further specialized in Band Conducting and Instrumentation, Music Education, and Choral Conducting. He is a flute teacher at IC Pizzighettone San Bassano. Since 2001, he has directed the Pontolliese Band Corps, the Gerberto Choir in Bobbio since 1998, the ANA Valnure Choir in Bettola since 2014, and the Schola Cantorum in Podenzano since 2021. With these ensembles, he has performed concerts throughout Italy and abroad (Brazil, Argentina, Ireland, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Russia, and the USA). As a composer and arranger for band and choir, he actively collaborates with other musical groups in the region.

Social Media:

Website: corpobandisticopontolliese

Facebook: corpobandisticopontolliese

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YouTube: corpobandisticopontolliese

About: Detroit Catholic Central High School is an all-male Catholic School founded in 1928 by the Basilian Fathers. Around 1,000 students attend Catholic Central. The music department at CC includes Concert, Symphony, Jazz, and Marching Bands, as well as a String Orchestra. The CC band has also traveled to London, Paris, Rome, and Honolulu.

About the Director: A 2007 graduate of CC, Logan Bonathan started his musical career as an orchestral horn player. Private lesson teaching led him to find his calling in teaching. This is Mr. Bonathan’s third year as director of the CC Band.

Social Media: 

Website: Catholiccentral

Instagram: Catholiccentral

About: 

The Aprilia Bersaglieri Fanfare Band was founded in 1985 at the initiative of the late president Adelchi Cotterli, to provide the Aprilia section of retired Bersaglieri with a musical ensemble worthy of the Corps’ tradition. The Fanfare characterizes its performances with the energy of fast and vibrant music, combined with the strength of running. Since its founding, the Fanfare has participated in all the National Bersaglieri Gatherings. Throughout its history, it has performed in numerous events in Italy and in European countries such as France, Germany, Poland, and Denmark. It promotes friendship and musical initiatives through its music. It often takes part in social and volunteer activities, bringing joy with its tunes.

About the Director:

M° ILDO MASI

Born in Priverno (LT) in 1977, he graduated in the trumpet in 1997 from the State Conservatory of Music in Latina, subsequently specializing in jazz and furthering his study of the instrument. He has played in various orchestras within the Italian music scene and with several renowned artists, collaborating on record and television projects. He has been the director of various musical groups and a trumpet teacher in public and private institutions. He is currently a teacher at the “Garibaldi” Comprehensive Institute in Aprilia and the director of the Aprilia Bersaglieri Fanfare.

Social Media:

Facebook:

Fanfara Bersaglieri Cotterli

Instagram:

fanfara_cotterli

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Brandishing his trident, shield and stern face our Gladiator is always on the alert and ready to fight for his life to entertain the crowds. Will Caesar give him a closed fist or an open hand to let him fight another day.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About: The Hamilton Charger Marching Band is from Sussex, Wisconsin, and is just one part of a comprehensive instrumental music program that includes two concert bands, two jazz bands, pep band, as well as numerous chamber ensembles and other opportunities. The band has earned numerous awards for excellence in performance. Most recently, the Hamilton Jazz Ensemble 1 was awarded the exemplary performance certificate for being the top ensemble at the Wisconsin State level.

About the Director: Mr. Waite has been at HHS for 25 years and has helped the program earn recognition both regionally and nationally. He has worked to increase the membership as well as the quality of the experience. Mr. Waite holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Social Media:

Website: chargerband

About: 

Founded in 2010 from the merger of organizations that had existed since 1996, it takes the name “Lo Scudo di Lepanto” from an ancient relic dating back to the Naval Battle of 1571, preserved in the Basilica of Marino, which inspired the colors and motifs of its flags and livery. The technique used by the company for flag performances has roots in Siena, but over the years it has been enriched by various influences that have shaped a more dynamic and refined style. In addition to actively participating in the Historical Procession of the centennial Grape Festival, it also takes part in many national events. The group appears in the Netflix film The Beautiful Game with Valeria Golino and Bill Nighy and in the final episode of Rai 2’s program Il Palio dei Pali.

About the Director: 

Fabrizio de Belardini, a surveyor by profession, in 1993 he founded the historical reenactment association Lo Storico Cantiere together with a group of young people from Marino. In 1996, he initiated the first flag-waving group in Marino, which, due to logistical needs, became an independent entity in 2010 under the name Lo Scudo di Lepanto, of which he is a founding member and the current President.

Social Media:

Facebook:

Sbandieratori e Musici “Lo Scudo di Lepanto”

Instagram: @loscudodilepanto

About:

The Majorettes di Casperia were established in Casperia in 1995 and are the embodiment of an artistic folk group. Over the years, their repertoire has continued to develop which has allowed them to perform in various events both in Italy and internationally, particularly in Spain, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland and Corfu and New York City, USA, as part of the Columbus Day parade. Nationally, they have performed at the International Festival of Bands and Majorettes in Giulianova. Being part of Majorettes di Casperia has been described like having a second family. Not only for the performers but their families as well. Working together has given them a strong sense of empathy towards each other, created deep bonds and has helped each one grow as human being. Their motto is Unity is strength.

About the Director: 

Roberta Gennari was born in Casperia and has been the President of the Majorettes di Casperia right from the very start.  Sig.ra Gennari is a woman of great empathy, ability and intelligence and very engaged in the public life of Casperia. Not only is she President of the Majorettes but also an esteemed and valued member of the local council. She is a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

Social Media: 

Facebook: Majorettes of Casperia – Rieti

About: 

The Golden Stars Sabine Majorettes Association was founded in 1995 in Selci, Italy. From the very beginning, the group was coached by Monica Rizzi and from 2019 by trainers Ramona Mostocotto and Elisa Virgili. Their close relationship with many marching bands in their local area allows them to be part of the age old popular Italian tradition of performing with bands in a wide variety of prestigious international events. At the same time as performing they train for the Italian Majorettes Sport Championships which we have taken part in for the last six years. Thanks to the various category qualifications, they have also participated in the European and in the World Championships flying their beloved Italian flag in many different countries. Many trips… some very far away. Many planes… some nearly missed. Endless workouts… which often ended with pizza and karaoke…… all unite the different generations in a common passion of working hard to be rewarded by powerful emotions.

About the Director: 

Ramona Mostocotto was there at the birth of the The Golden Stars Sabine Majorettes Association as a performer. Today she is now training the majorettes. Ms Mostocotto manages to share her passion and experience with all the members, ranging from the kids attempting their first go at majoretting right up to the experienced performers she has grown up with over the year. These years that have seen her become not only the group’s trainer but also a wonderful mother.

Social Media:

Facebook: Majorettes Golden Stars Sabine

Instagram: majorettes_golden_stars_sabine

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From high above the crowds, Maria the Majorette, keeps the parade in step as she weaves enchantment with each twirl of her baton.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About: The Band Program at Parkview High School has a rich tradition of performance excellence! Our vision is to spread kindness through our school and community using the power of music. Our mission is to provide our students with life-changing learning opportunities and the chance to develop their character, identity, and leadership through creating, learning, and performing music at the highest level. The Parkview Band has performed in the 2023 National Concert Festival, presented by YAMAHA, and the 2024 GMEA In-Service Conference in Athens, GA. We are looking forward to sharing our students’ talents with the eternal city of Rome.

About the Director: Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Carlos Franco began his musical training in the Venezuelan System of Youth Orchestras. He immigrated to the U.S. in 2003, completed high school in Pembroke Pines, FL, and earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from The University of Florida in 2011.

Social Media:

Website: Parkview Bands

Facebook: Parkview Bands

Instagram: Parkview Bands

About:

In 1977, some members of the Carnival Committee at the time decided to try forming a fife and drum group made up of very young boys, and thus, our town began contributing to the preservation of that tradition of melodious and unique tunes. As the years passed, the group grew in size, and in 2023, we had the honor and pleasure of participating in the prestigious Basel Tattoo Parade, held in the Swiss city of Basel, alongside 70 other groups from around the world, in front of an audience of 120,000 spectators.

In June 2018, we established an Italo-German partnership between three groups: Pifferi Tamburi Baio Dora, Fanfarenzug Zell, and Amis D’Albian, strengthened by great mutual respect and friendship. For our participation in the 2023 Basel Tattoo Parade, we designed and created a new summer uniform, characterized by our historic colours.

About the Director:

Marco Tognon, born in Ivrea on June 13, 1971, joined our group at the age of 12 as a fife player. For many years, he has held the role of “First Fife,” responsible for leading the starts of our tunes. In this role, he has been accompanied for several years by our president, Giorgia Beata. Throughout the years, Marco has served as an active member of various boards, even holding the position of president in the past. He has always been involved in the fife school and is currently responsible for the fife schools, parade direction, and public relations. Additionally, he has been a horn player for many years in various musical ensembles, including the Philharmonic of Borgofranco d’Ivrea (TO).

Social Media:

Website: Pifferietamburibaiodora

Facebook: Pifferietamburibaiodora

Instagram: Pifferietamburibaiodora

Youtube: Pifferietamburibaiodora

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Welcoming in 2024 with a bang! Well hopefully not literally in this case. The Rome New Year balloon starts off the celebrations of all things Rome brandishing the colours of the Italian flag and one of the most iconic sights of the Eternal City, the magnificent Colosseum.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About: The Cotton Candies are an all-female marching krewe, parading in our signature PINK costumes and white boots. Huntsville Alabama’s original marching krewe was founded in 2014. Our diverse krewe encourages empowerment and self-confidence through performing. Each member creates her own unique costume reflecting her individual personality and style. Minimum age is 25 yrs old.

As a nonprofit private social club we donate proceeds from our annual Mardi Gras krewe party, The Cotton Ball, to local nonprofits serving women in our community. We have performed and assisted with local special needs proms and dances.

Social Media:

Facebook: cottoncandieskrewe

Instagram: @thecottoncandiesmarchingkrewe

About: We are a marching band representing Newport News, Virginia, and our style of marching band performs Soul, Hip Hop, and R&B music. We have performed for The Washington Wizards NBA Team, The New Orleans Pelicans NBA Team, The Rapper Missy Elliot, and NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson. Our band consists of about 80 students from all over Newport News. The Marching Band has won over 30 trophies in the past 3 years and is recognized by the VMEA as a Blue Ribbon and Virginia Honor Band Program, the highest honors in Virginia.

Social Media: 

Instagram: @OfficialHeritageBand

YouTube: @OfficialHeritageBand

Presented and supplied by Megaflatables

Meet Trevor the Triangle. As he floats by his rhythmic chimes will uplift the spirits and delight everyone with his playful charm.

Megaflatables are one of the market leaders in inflatable advertising, supplying every conceivable shape and size balloon, blimp, even including an inflatable projection screen, to over 40 countries worldwide. Their motto is ‘if you can think it, we can make it’. Megaflatables are excited to be taking part in Rome Parade once again. As always, it is the highlight of our year!

Website: www.megaflatables.com

Twitter: @megaflatables1

Instagram: @megaflatables

About:

Since 1974, Varsity Spirit has been the driving force in making cheerleading the dynamic, athletic, high profile activity it is today. By combining high energy entertainment with traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit has driven the development of cheerleading as an international phenomenon that now not only includes millions of young Americans, but also a rapidly growing number of participants Worldwide.

While its heritage is rich and its traditions renowned, Varsity Spirit continues to be the innovative global leader in growing cheerleading’s influence and profile. The organisation’s commitment to the health and well-being of the young people who participate is embedded in its high quality educational curriculum and its leadership in establishing instructional safety standards.

Varsity Spirit All-Americans include high school cheerleaders, dancers and spirit performers who qualified at one of the following Varsity Spirit summer camps: Universal Cheerleaders Association, Universal Dance Association, National Cheerleaders Association, National Dance Alliance, Urban Cheerleading Experience and United Spirit Association. 

Social Media: 

Facebook: @VarsitySpirit

Instagram: @VarsitySpirit