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Oristano e la celebre Sartiglia

text Martina Olivieri

January 15, 2025

Carnival in Sardinia: the Most Beautiful Celebrations of Folklore and Tradition

From the Mamuthones of Mamoiada to the Thurpos of Orotelli: everything You Need to Know About the Most Beautiful Parades of Traditional Masks

Carnival in Sardinia is much more than just a celebration: it’s a journey through ancient traditions, archaic rituals, and symbols that tell the deep soul of the island. Each town celebrates Carnival with iconic masks, ritual dances, and processions that evoke stories of struggle, nature, and community.

From the Mamuthones of Mamoiada to the Thurpos of Orotelli, through the spectacular Sartiglia of Oristano and the wild races of Santu Lussurgiu, Sardinian Carnival offers a mosaic of emotions and atmospheres that enchant visitors from all over the world.

Let’s explore together all the unmissable traditional parades of this extraordinary celebration. While here discover all the traditional masks of the Sardinian carnival.

Mamoiada: The Carnival of Mamuthones and Issohadores, an Icon of Sardinian Tradition

The masks of the Mamuthones are not just a distinctive element of Mamoiada’s Carnival, but they embody the essence and cultural identity of the entire Sardinia. The preparation of the Mamuthones is a complex and meaningful ritual that demands great attention. Participants wear heavy black wool skins, hand-carved wooden masks, and nearly 30 kg of cowbells that produce their distinctive sound. During the procession, the Mamuthones walk in line with slow, rhythmic steps, creating a hypnotic and solemn echo of the bells. Leading the procession are the Issohadores, equally iconic figures, who use their ropes to capture the spectators, drawing them into this ancient and symbolic ritual.

Fonni: The Wild Charm of the Mascheras Bruttas and the Elegance of the Mascheras Limpias

The origins of these masks date back to the late 1800s, as documented by contemporary accounts that describe mysterious figures dressed in rags and with faces blackened by soot, freely roaming the village. Among them were the infamous Buttudos, who would chase girls and improvise satirical verses, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and chaos. The Buttudos, clumsily dressed men, once wore demonic masks carved from cork and wool beards, while shaking loud cowbells and rattles. The strongest of them would dress as Urthos, bears covered in hides with cork masks, kept on a leash by a "trainer," who also wore traditional attire. These eerie figures, though intimidating in appearance, are not symbols of violence but rather embody a primordial strength and a deep connection with nature. Today, the old cork masks have been replaced by faces blackened with charcoal, giving the Buttudos and Urthos an even more haunting look. During the festival, these wild figures gather in a kind of band, performing daring acrobatics, such as scaling the facades of houses to reach balconies and windows, creating a spectacle full of allure. Despite their threatening appearance, the Buttudos and Urthos gladly accept offerings of food and drink, such as fritters, rosé wine, and papassinos (a traditional Sardinian sweet). These offerings, brought to them at the doorsteps of homes, are often given after a simple knock and symbolize respect. They also serve to calm the wildness of the characters, breaking the tension with an act of hospitality.

Carnevale di Fonni (ph. Annamaria Pirellas)

Ottana: The Masks of Boes and Merdules in the Ancient Struggle Between Man and Animal

The Carnival of Ottana, a small village in the heart of Barbagia, stands out for its powerful symbolism. The procession of the Boes and Merdules is a ritual that evokes the primordial struggle between man and animal, one of the recurring themes in the island’s ancient carnival traditions. The traditional costumes, made from sheep wool pelts, and the distinctive hand-carved wooden masks make this celebration truly unique. The Boes, bull-like figures that represent strength and vitality, wear heavy cowbells around their necks, which can weigh up to 20 kg. During the parade, the Merdules (the shepherds) attempt to tame the Boes using ropes and sticks in a dramatic reenactment that culminates in the symbolic capture of the animal, signifying man's dominance over nature. Beyond its spectacular value, this festival offers an opportunity to celebrate the history and millennia-old culture of the village, providing an authentic glimpse into the island’s roots.

Tempio Pausania: The Carnival of Famous Paper Carriages and Current-Inspired Masks

Tempio Pausania's Carnival is one of the most famous and lively events dedicated to papier-mâché carriages, a must-visit celebration in northern Sardinia. In this small town in Gallura, the festival reaches its peak with celebrations in honor of Re Giorgio, a symbolic figure who parades through the streets of the town to the cheers and excitement of the participants. The highlight of the event is the concluding ritual, where Re Giorgio is burned in the square in a striking propitiatory gesture. This act represents the purification from past misfortunes and symbolically marks the beginning of a new life cycle, in conjunction with the arrival of spring.During Carnival, Tempio Pausania transforms into a vast open-air stage, brimming with music, local flavors, and engaging performances. This festive atmosphere, characterized by a carefree spirit of camaraderie, draws a diverse crowd from across Sardinia and other Italian regions, making the Carnival a unique and unmissable event.

Orotelli: The Enigmatic Parade of Sos Thurpos, Men with Hoods and Charred Faces

Among the oldest and most captivating Carnival celebrations in Sardinia, the Carnival of Orotelli stands out for the traditional procession of the Sos Thurpos, symbolic figures that evoke the agricultural and pastoral world of the past. The term Thurpos, meaning "blind," refers to masked men who move solemnly and mysteriously through the village. They wear long black coats with their hoods pulled low over their eyes, carry bells strapped to their waists, and are distinguished by their faces darkened with ash—a striking difference from the typical wooden masks of Barbagia.The parade is not just a simple performance; the audience becomes an integral part of the celebration. The Thurpos "capture" people with a symbolic rope and offer them drinks, a gesture that harks back to ancient rituals of good luck and hospitality.

Oristano and the Famous Sartiglia: A Symbol of Sardinian Tradition

Among the most captivating events of the Sardinian Carnival, the Sartiglia of Oristano stands out as a spectacular historical horseback ride held annually on Shrove Tuesday. This ancient tradition, with roots tracing back to the 17th century, pays homage to the medieval past of the city and embodies its cultural identity. The Sartiglia comes to life with a procession of costumed knights who traverse the streets of Oristano, showcasing their skills in thrilling equestrian games. The highlight of the celebration is the "race for the star": the knights, riding their galloping steeds, must pierce a suspended star with the tip of their lance, demonstrating both agility and precision

Santu Lussurgiu and Sa Carrela 'e Nanti: Equestrian Acrobatics in the Heart of the Medieval Village

The Carnival of Santu Lussurgiu stands out for its spectacular horseback acrobatics that energize the wild race of Sa Carrela 'e Nanti, a unique event winding through the narrow streets of the medieval village. Knights, dressed in Sa Mascherada with painted faces, race at full speed, performing daring maneuvers that leave the audience breathless. Considered one of the oldest horse races in Sardinia, Sa Carrela 'e Nanti offers an unmissable opportunity to experience something truly authentic, while also discovering the charm of Santu Lussurgiu, a picturesque village nestled between Oristano and Bosa, set in a context of extraordinary beauty.

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