by InTrieste
The heart of Trieste pulsed with the stirring sounds of brass and percussion on Friday morning as the Fanfare of the 4th Mounted Regiment of the Carabinieri delivered a rousing performance in Piazza Unità. The event, held under the crisp winter sun, drew more than 500 students from local schools, alongside a large gathering of residents and visitors.
Organized by the Municipality of Trieste in collaboration with the Carabinieri, the free public concert served as both an educational and cultural event, offering young audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Italy’s most storied musical traditions up close.
The Mounted Fanfare, founded in 1829, is the oldest musical unit of the Carabinieri. Originally tasked with conveying commands on the battlefield, the ensemble has since evolved into a ceremonial and concert band, regularly performing at state events, military parades, and international celebrations. The 32-member group, led by Special Lieutenant Fabio Tassinari, showcased a repertoire blending traditional military marches with classical compositions, many inspired by the rhythmic movement of horses.
Adding to the spectacle, the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s famed aerobatic demonstration team, performed a breathtaking flyover during the fanfare, leaving trails of green, white, and red across the sky. The synchronized aerial display perfectly complemented the grandeur of the musical performance, elevating the event to new heights.
A special moment in the performance was the appearance of Briciola, the unit’s beloved mascot. The mixed-breed dog, part of the Fanfare since 2014, delighted the crowd as it trotted alongside the musicians, adding a touch of warmth to the solemn grandeur of the occasion.
Trieste’s mayor hailed the event as a testament to the city’s deep appreciation for Italian heritage and the enduring connection between the Carabinieri and the public. “This is a tradition that continues to inspire and unite generations,” he remarked.
The Fanfare has long been a fixture at prestigious events, from the Changing of the Guard at Rome’s Quirinale Palace to international engagements such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London. Its presence in Trieste reinforced the city’s role as a cultural crossroads, where history and modernity converge in spectacular fashion.
As the final notes of the performance echoed across the square, the assembled students, many waving small Italian flags, erupted into applause. For a brief moment, history, music, and civic pride merged, creating an unforgettable experience in one of Italy’s most iconic settings.
