In 1396 Emperor Charles IV freed the city of Lucca from Pisa`s tyranny, which had lasted thirty years. In order to celebrate this event, every year the first Sunday after Easter the Festa della libertà (Freedom Celebration) takes place in Lucca. The event, originally called Festa della Repubblica di Lucca (Feast of the Republic of Lucca), was introduced in 1370.

Apart from the suggestive procession of the historical cortège along the streets of Lucca, during the feast the investiture of the "Gonfalonieri di Terziere" (the gonfaloniers of the three districts composing Lucca) is recollected, together with tournaments with clubs and swords, whereas the flag-flyers demonstrate their ability accompanied by the drums and clarions.