Il fascino della maschera: da Halloween al Carnevale sardo

From the Halloween celebration in Arzachena to the ancient rituals of Carnival, a journey through masks, costumes, and traditions

Halloween has taken Sardinia by storm as well, where October 31 has become an eagerly anticipated event—especially for children—filled with costumes, pumpkins, and fantastical characters. This celebration, which has traveled a long way, meets an ancient Sardinian tradition on the island: that of masks and disguises, which have always been central to Sardinian folk culture.

Halloween in Arzachena: An Afternoon of Fun for the Whole Family

On Saturday, October 31, Arzachena’s historic center transforms into a world filled with monsters, pumpkins, and fantastical characters, featuring a program of free activities designed for children and families.It all begins at 3:30 p.m. in Piazza Risorgimento with the Pumpkin Factory, a creative workshop accompanied by roaming entertainers and a face-painting station where kids can transform into their favorite characters.At 6:30 p.m., it’s time for the Haunted Igloo Cinema, featuring a screening of the Disney·Pixar film Coco, a heartwarming story that celebrates the bond between generations, memories, and traditions. Of course, there will be plenty of popcorn.Admission to all activities is free.

Sardinia and the Ancient Tradition of Masks

But the allure of wearing a mask, changing one’s identity, and bringing imaginary characters to life has roots in Sardinia that go back much further. On the island, masquerading is part of a cultural heritage made up of rituals, legends, and celebrations that have been passed down for centuries.In Tempio Pausania, in the heart of Gallura, the famous Carrasciali Timpiesu is one of the most spectacular events of the Sardinian Carnival. For six days, the city comes alive with parades of floats, masks, music, and dancing, culminating in the traditional burning of King George, the symbolic ruler of the festival.A completely different atmosphere prevails in Mamoiada, in Barbagia, where the mask takes on a more archaic and mysterious meaning. Here, the Mamuthones—wrapped in sheepskins and bearing heavy cowbells on their shoulders—march with rhythmic steps, accompanied by the Issohadores in their distinctive costumes. A performance of extraordinary evocative power, whose origins are lost in time and evoke ancient rituals linked to nature and the cycle of the seasons. From illuminated Halloween pumpkins to the ancestral masks of Carnival, the desire to dress up continues to span eras and generations. Costumes, characters, and meanings may change, but the pleasure of transforming oneself, sharing a moment of celebration, and giving free rein to the imagination remains intact. A thread that links today’s fun to the memories and traditions of yesterday.