Traditional places

Ogni estate, nel cuore del mese di agosto, la Sardegna si accende di luci, colori e antiche melodie: è il tempo dei Candelieri, solenni e spettacolari processioni votive che animano le strade di Sassari, Iglesias, Ploaghe e Nulvi. Sebbene ogni comunità custodisca riti e dettagli propri, l’anima di queste feste è condivisa: la devozione mariana.

In questo articolo vi accompagniamo in un viaggio attraverso le quattro varianti della tradizione dei Candelieri, mettendole a confronto e sottolineando il loro valore simbolico e comunitario, in un momento dell’anno che rinnova l’identità più profonda del popolo sardo.

Imagine an ordinary day more than three thousand years ago. The sun sets slowly among the Guilcer hills (a geographical area in the centre of Sardinia), dyeing the cyclopean towers of the nuraghi with copper. A man rests his bare feet on bunches of dark grapes, rhythmically pressing them into a basin carved into the rock. Beside him, a ...

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When speaking of Cagliari, it is inevitable to mention Efisio, the martyred warrior who, according to tradition, defended the city in the 17th century as the inhabitants united in prayer to face the terrible pandemic known as the ‘baroque’ plague. However, the festivities still held today from 1 to 4 May in honour of Saint Efisio, which have their roots in the 17th century, are not the city's only vow. In fact, there are three solemn vows attributed to Saint Efisio in Cagliari.

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Devotion to Saint Efisio the Martyr is undoubtedly very much felt both in Cagliari and in the rest of Sardinia. There are several occasions on which the cult of the saint is linked to miracles attributed to him, solemn vows and specific historical events. Among these, 15 January is dedicated to the commemoration of his martyrdom. Although this event is less frequented by the general public, it remains significant for devotees and is supported by the historic Arciconfraternita del Gonfalone. According to a known document, the 'Passio Sancti ...

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Those who believe that Summer is the best time to explore Sardinia have never had the pleasure of visiting in Spring! Spring is truly the ideal time to discover this fascinating island. The days are getting longer, the weather is pleasant and temperate, and the vegetation explodes in new hues, creating the typical atmosphere of the spring season.If you are planning a trip to Sardinia and wonder what this place has to offer besides the famous sea, here are some good reasons to visit during the quieter season. 1. CITRUS FRUIT FESTIVALS. Even though citrus fruits are considered typical winter fruits, in Sardinia ...

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Exploring Cagliari is an extraordinary experience and, like anything wonderful, it takes time. For a deep understanding of its culture, traditions and history, at least a few days are needed. Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia and metropolitan city since 2017, offers visitors a dynamic and international atmosphere typical of port cities, presenting everything ...

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Gennarxu and Gennargiu in southern Sardinia, Ennarzu and Bennarzu in the north: we are in the month of January, the first of twelve months and the month that opens all the nursery rhymes taught to children. January is a time of renewal and good intentions, but it also represents a child who is cold, sitting by the fire in one of the many nursery rhymes for toddlers, “Gennàrgiu, mort ”e frius est sètziu peis a fogu.” It is commonly thought that the name of January may originate from one of the oldest Roman deities, Giano ...

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In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Sardinia, when industry had not yet replaced agriculture and stockbreeding, Christmas was an important period of social cohesion, an occasion to restore the integrity of the family unit, often temporarily shattered by the ties of men's transhumance to the pastures or the countryside. Christmas in Sardinia is not ...

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