Here are some of the most important celebrations that you absolutely cannot miss during your stay in Sardinia.
Time in Jazz
Music under the Stars in Berchidda (August)
Location: Berchidda (Province of Sassari, in the heart of Gallura)
Dates: 7-16 August 2024 (dates may vary slightly each year)
The Time in Jazz is an international music festival that transforms Berchidda and its surroundings into a unique stage. Artistic director is the celebrated trumpeter Paolo Fresu, a native of Berchidda, who every year brings internationally renowned artists to perform in evocative locations such as country churches, forests and historic squares.
Council: To best participate, book accommodation well in advance, as the festival attracts many visitors. Also consider hiring a car to explore the surrounding areas and experience the rural atmosphere of Gallura.
Sea Festival
In Porto Rotondo (August)
Location: Porto Rotondo (Costa Smeralda)
Dates: Usually around mid-August
La Sea Festival celebrates the Costa Smeralda's maritime culture with a series of events including sailing competitions, decorated boat processions and spectacular fireworks displays. Porto Rotondo is one of the most elegant resorts on the Costa Smeralda, famous for its marina and enchanting beaches.
Council: Visit Porto Rotondo at sunset to enjoy the view and then attend the evening events. It is advisable to arrive early to find parking and a good spot from which to watch the fireworks.
Tavolara Film Festival
Outdoor Cinema in a Paradise (July)
Location: Tavolara Island and Olbia (Gallura)
Dates: 15-20 July 2024 (dates may vary slightly each year)
The Tavolara Film Festival is a film event that takes place in a breathtaking setting: the island of Tavolara, which can only be reached by boat, and the city of Olbia. The evening screenings are held outdoors, with the sea and the stars as a backdrop.
Council: Book the ferry to Tavolara in advance and bring a blanket or pillow to comfortably enjoy the outdoor screenings. Olbia offers numerous restaurants where you can dine before or after the films.
Vermentino Festival
Festival of Monti (August)
Location: Monti (Gallura)
Dates: 9-10 August 2024
La Vermentino Festival is a must for wine lovers. Monti, a small village in the Gallura hills, is famous for the production of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, one of the island's finest white wines. During the festival, you can taste different labels, visit local wineries and enjoy evenings of traditional music and dancing.
Council: Take part in the tastings organised in the cellars and don't miss the opportunity to buy a few bottles of Vermentino to take home. Arrive in the afternoon to visit Monti and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Feast of Our Lady of the Sea
In La Maddalena (July)
Location: La Maddalena (La Maddalena Archipelago)
Dates: 14 July 2024
La Feast of Our Lady of the Sea is a religious celebration held every year on the second Sunday in July. The procession at sea, starting from the port of La Maddalena, is the main event, with a statue of the Madonna carried by boat along the crystal-clear waters of the archipelago. The day ends with a party in town, complete with music, shows and fireworks.
Council: Arrive in La Maddalena the day before to explore the archipelago. Hire a boat or join a tour to best experience the event from the perspective of the sea.
Saint Ephisius
The Cagliari Procession
Location: Cagliari, Nora (South Sardinia)
Dates: 1-4 May 2024
La Feast of Saint Ephisius is the most important religious procession in Sardinia, with a tradition dating back to 1657. Starting from the Stampace district in Cagliari, the procession passes through the city and on to Nora, along a 65 km route, with the participation of thousands of faithful in traditional costumes.
Council: Make sure you are in Cagliari for the start of the procession on 1 May. Follow at least part of the route to Nora to appreciate the devotion and the landscape. Take water and sunscreen with you, as the route can be long and hot.
The Sartiglia of Oristano
The Equestrian Carnival
Location: Oristano (Centre-West Sardinia)
Dates: 11 and 13 February 2024
La Sartiglia is one of the oldest events in Sardinia, with a horse race during Carnival that dates back to the Middle Ages. Masked horsemen have to pierce a star hung along the route with their swords. The event is characterised by a unique atmosphere, with propitiatory rituals and equestrian acrobatics.
Council: Reserve a seat in the grandstand to get a good view of the race. Bring a camera to capture the exciting acrobatics of the riders. Oristano offers many options to enjoy Sardinian cuisine, so plan a dinner at one of the local restaurants.
The Redeemer of Nuoro
A Pilgrimage of Faith (August)
Location: Nuoro (Central Sardinia)
Dates: 25 August 2024
La Feast of the Redeemer is one of the most heartfelt religious events in Sardinia, celebrated with a procession to the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Monte Ortobene. The day includes a parade of folk groups from all over the island, with traditional costumes, music and dances.
Council: Take part in the procession in the morning and the folklore parade in the afternoon. Bring a folding chair or cushion to comfortably watch the performances. Also explore Monte Ortobene to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.
The Carnival of Mamoiada
The Masks of the Mamuthones and Issohadores
Location: Mamoiada (Province of Nuoro, Barbagia)
Dates: 16-17 January 2024 and 13 February 2024
The Carnival of Mamoiada is an event deeply rooted in the archaic traditions of Sardinia. The iconic figures of Carnival are the Mamuthones and the IssohadoresThey parade through the streets of the village during the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot and on Shrove Tuesday. The Mamuthones wear black wooden masks and leather clothes, carrying heavy cowbells, while the Issohadores, dressed in red, accompany them by throwing laces as a sign of good luck.
Council: Arrive early in Mamoiada to explore the Museum of Mediterranean Masks and learn more about local traditions. Wear comfortable shoes to follow the parade and enjoy a traditional roast meat dinner in local restaurants.
The Sardinian Cavalcade
The Tradition Parade (May)
Location: Sassari (North Sardinia)
Dates: 19 May 2024
La Sardinian Cavalcade is one of the largest folkloric celebrations in Sardinia, a colourful parade involving groups from all over the island. Participants parade through the streets of Sassari wearing traditional costumes, followed by decorated horses and typical floats. The day ends with a spectacular display of dancing and singing in Piazza d'Italia.
Council: Reserve a seat in the grandstand along the parade route for a better view. After the parade, stroll through the historical centre of Sassari to admire the churches and historical buildings. If possible, stay until the evening to watch the traditional music performances in the square.
Conclusion
Participating in these events will provide you with an authentic and engaging experience, bringing you closer to Sardinia's millenary traditions. Plan your trip with the dates of these festivals in mind so you don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Sardinian culture and take with you unique memories of this fascinating land.
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