Every spring since 1981, kite fliers from around the world have met in Cervia, Italy. 200 invited artists from 30 countries join thousand of participants for 10 days of kite flying on the beach. Here, Curtis Mitchel (U.S.) stands amid Pauline Taylor’s (England) golden banner forest with a guiding hand.

“Cervia was so challenging and beautiful this year. The sky was as enchanting as the grounds and the crowds,” writes photographer Jose Sainz. Pictured: a playful interaction of Steve Brockett’s (Wales) hand-painted, rectangular kite with the transparent, flowing tail of Kisa Sauer’s (Germany) kite.

Gorgeous wind installation by designer Frances Anderson (England).

Detail of a kite from Steve Brockett’s intriguing new series.

Sharing the sky with George Peters’ (U.S.) printed creation.

A series of life-size silhouette banners glancing to the sky by designer Jan van Leeuwen (the Netherlands).

“The wind and the weather were challenging all week this year. However, when the elements cooperated, the ground and sky displays became pure artistic magic,” writes Jose. LEFT: Sunset image of Ramlal Tien’s (France) creation. RIGHT: Fausto Marrocu’s (Sardinia) “Medusas” dance in a turbulent sky.