Zakynthos once again took part in the 23rd edition of the Giostra Cavalleresca d'Europa e dei Borghi più belli d'Italia  This international event grows in prestige and significance year after year. The 2025 edition, which officially opened on Friday, July 18, confirms its historic and spectacular value, but is also part of a broader cultural project inspired by the figure of Pope Celestine V and his message of peace.
As Zakynthos was European champions in 2024 they had the honour of creating the 2025 winner's banner, in which its unveiling took place at the town hall in Sulmona city, Italy among local and international delegations.

The banner itself is of quite importance, a deeply symbolic and historically documented visual composition, which honours the roots of the Zakynthian culture and highlights the timeless value of knighthood in competition.
The artistic curatorship was carried out by three key members of the association:

Giannis Milesis, who in 2024 during the presentation of the Spanish banner had an idea of creating this year's banner and was the main inspirer.  

Maria Pouliezou, who is well-known in Zakynthos for her costume designing was the creator. With her love for detail and passion for design she carefully created what we see today. 

The photographic side was initiated by Babis Sigouros, with his "perception of the project he managed to capture what was needed in creating an impressive piece of work that expressed emotion, depth, and timeless beauty!
Thanks to our models Nadia and Dionysios who managed to create the final touches. 
slide show follows;-

As you can see in the upper part of the banner, dominates the emblem of Giostra of Zakynthos, which bears both the Greek and Italian names of the institution, highlighting the timeless and cultural dimensions of the organization.
Placed at the top of an impressive Venetian arch, is the historic entrance to the castle of Zakynthos - a place where, during the Venetian rule in Zakynthos, Giostra was held, called Arigko.
The artistic scene that takes place in the centre of the banner captures an emblematic moment of the chivalric ritual: A noble lady handing over her handkerchief to the knight, who will fight for her. This gesture constitutes an emblematic symbolism. The knight represents the ideal of a young, handsome, and brave man who, with his strength, athletic spirit, and dignity, competes on the field of battle.
This tradition, deeply rooted in the code of honor, captures the noble relationship between chivalric honor and loyalty, while at the same time attributing the symbolic character of Giostra as a fight of honor, athletic prowess, physical strength and noble competition.

In the background of the scene, a horse can be seen – a silent companion and indispensable companion of every knight – which reinforces the chivalric tradition and the fighting spirit of the institution.
This element does not function simply as a decoration but highlights the emotional and practical bond between man and animal in the field of chivalry.

The lower part of the banner is dedicated to the European dimension of "Giostra". The Italian flag dominates the centre as a sign of hospitality from the organizer Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona, accompanied by its official emblem.
Next to it, the flags of the countries participating in the 2025 event.
The presence of the Greek flag, together with the banner of Zakynthos, reminds us that Giostra Zakynthos is the dominant mission in this European institution, bearing the honor and responsibility of representing our country in a cultural dialogue that bridges past and present, history and living tradition.
This banner, therefore, is not simply a decorative element or a depiction of a historical event. It is a visual and historical narrative that connects the past with the present and conveys the timeless message of honour, bravery, noble rivalry, and dedication not only to the European public but to us Zakynthians. Thanks to Giostra di Zante our culture and traditions are re-lived. 

Below are a few highlights of what took place in Sulmona. 
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