People from English Bay to East Vancouver were surprised by a group of planes flying over Vancouver on Tuesday (July 16) trailing smoke behind them.
The colours of the smoke were a clue as to who the group was: the Frecce Tricolori.
The Frecce Tricolori are the Italian Air Force Aerobatic Team, akin to Canada's Snowbirds or the American Blue Angels. They're currently on a tour of North America and that included the evening flyover of Vancouver.
The team flew from near Stanley Park east over the Burrard Inlet, leaving a trail of red, white and green smoke behind them, a nod to the Italian flag.
It was a quick stop in Vancouver as the team is headed to Edmonton for a performance on Thursday.
The Italian team celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, but it's been over 30 years since their last trip to North America.
@alannackelly Did you see the Italian Airforce Aerobatic Team over Vancouver? “Frecce Tricolori” celebrated its 63rd birthday last March 1 and celebrated with Canada for the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
♬ walking on a dream by empire of the sun - sophie
@nilou_nadar Italian airforce team over downtown vancouver#foryou #vancouverbc #summervibes #holiday ♬ A Summer Place - Hollywood Strings Orchestra
What’s happening in Downtown #Vancouver??? Fighter jets. Several fly overs above Burrard Inlet. pic.twitter.com/6ZppPHXZa6
— Renu Bakshi (@RenuBakshi) July 17, 2024
Jets flying over Vancouver releasing green, white, and red smoke. Really hope we’ve been invaded by Italy. pic.twitter.com/pjknLchXvu
— HAA (@hansaschim) July 17, 2024
