Feasts and Festivals

The tradition is for the Sardinians loyalty to the heritage of their ancestors, sos mannos, the link between the life of yesterday and today, the feeling of identity. The past lives again evoked by the legends of the agro-pastoral world and festivals, numerous, are held throughout the 'Island.

The celebrations of Sant Antony belong to the winter cycle. During the feast the squares of many villages of the province are lighted by the bonfires and introduce the Carnival. On the evening of January 16, gigantic fires are lit in honor of St. Antonio Abate (Santu Antoni de su fogu), the holy hermit who, according to legend, would have caught the fire from hell to give it to the men.

The Easter rituals cycle belong to the spring. Processions and religious representations, probably of Spanish origin, are performed in many centers of Oristano province. On Good Friday is celebrated the "Eiscravamentu", or rather the deposition of Jesus Christ from the cross, that can be followed immersed in the melody of Gregorian chants of '400, faithfully interpreted by young singers.

On June 24, the festivities in honor of St. John the Baptist marks the advent of the summer solstice. Ancient rites, related to the nuragic age, such the "nenneris" offered to the holy (grains of wheat or other grains, placed in a bowl are made to germinate in the dark, to propitiate the fecundity and fertility of men, plants and animals ) or the collection of herbs and water for magic-therapeutic, constitute the umpteenth proof of syncretism of the Sardinian popular world

At the summer cycle, finally, belong the big country festivals which have the taste of wine, the smell of roast and the sound of poetry contests. On the stages intertwine ancient dances, rituals, as the "ballu tundu", accompanied by the sound of launeddas or accordions. Singing songs in honor of the saint who is celebrated (gosos) or improvised verses whose theme varies according to the occasion (mutettus.). The festivities are lighted by the colors of the costumes, the glint of the gold filigree and the traditional and modern music , while wine glasses, continuously empty, provide a full acceptance brakeless.