The city of Ferrara was the stage for an achievement that will remain in the history of parachuting and Italian national pride. Colonel Paolo Filippini, an officer of the Folgore in retirement and multiple world champion in parachuting, set a new record by jumping with the largest Italian flag ever seen in flight: a full 3,300 square meters, equivalent to 73 meters in length and 45.5 meters in width, with a total weight of 130 kilograms.
An epic and highly symbolic moment, with the tricolor flag waving in the sky above Ferrara to the notes of the Inno di Mameli, moving hundreds of spectators and representatives of parachuting associations from all over Italy. The first jump, performed with a 1,600 square meter flag, served as a test. But it was the second jump, with the flag named "Itala 3300", that officially made history.
Meticulous preparation for an unprecedented feat
The jump took place at the Aeroclub of Ferrara, chosen by Filippini himself for his long experience with the center and its ideal technical characteristics. Before takeoff, the Colonel conducted a series of thorough checks on the harness and the flag container, designed with a fabric capable of withstanding high-altitude turbulence.
At 18:20, after the first test, the moment for the big jump finally arrived. On board the aircraft, Filippini had the bulky bag containing the flag loaded and ascended. A few minutes later, the hatch opened, and the Colonel jumped, opening the parachute and allowing the enormous tricolor to unfold in all its majesty.
The spectacle was accompanied by the voice of Elena Fabbri, a carabiniere and singer from Ferrara, who sang the Inno d'Italia as the flag waved in the clear afternoon air. The audience, with their eyes turned upwards, followed every moment of the event with anticipation, erupting in a long applause upon the perfectly executed landing.
A message that flies high
The launch of the “Itala” flag was not just a technical demonstration, but a powerful message of unity, identity, and love for the homeland. In a historical period where symbols matter more than ever, the tricolor that soared over Ferrara represented the courage, dedication, and passion of Italians.
With this feat, Paolo Filippini confirmed himself not only as a world-class athlete but also as an ambassador of the Italian spirit.
Important (and imposing) presence of the ANPd'I
In addition to the civil and military authorities of Ferrara, prominent figures from the Associazione Nazionale Paracadutisti d’Italia (ANPd’I) were present at the event: the Secretary General Brigadier General (ret.) Enrico Pollini, the member of the National Technical Commission Giovanni Conforti, the President of the Ferrara Section Maurizio Grazzi with his parachutists, and the Sections of the 4th Regional Group, which for the occasion held the Zone consultation with the National Councilor Massimo Buratti. Many parachutists and citizens of Ferrara also attended the event.
The official speaker of the event was Lucio Fusco, Technical Director of the ANPd’I Ferrara Section. The ANPd’I also proudly expressed its pride in counting Paolo Filippini among its ranks, as the Director of the National Sports Parachuting Coordination Center.
A true, documented, and recognized record
The feat of Colonel Filippini is not only spectacular but also officially documented and verifiable. The dimensions of the flag were measured by specialized technicians, and the entire event was filmed and photographed by professionals, with the participation of civil and military authorities.
This new milestone significantly surpasses the previous record, also held by Filippini, who in 2015 performed a jump with a 1,600 sqm flag. Not only that: it also surpasses the German record of the Demo Cypres team, which in 2018 launched a flag of 2,607.21 sqm, recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
Sources:
https://assopar.it/2025/04/13/itala-3300-ha-volato-nel-cielo-di-ferrara/
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