Many of the festivities are traditions that have been ongoing for centuries and reveal a lot about the Sardinians themselves and their history. The magnificent costumes and jewellery that the women wear highlight the handicrafts of the island.
Festivals in Sardinia often have a religious theme but there are a plethora of others that celebrate annual events including the fish festival in July where you can sample fried fish or the International Jazz festival in August one of the most important festivals in Sardinia. We have compiled a list of the main festivals and events so if you are lucky enough to be in Sardinia when one is on, you have no excuse to miss it!
February
Carnival - Various locations
An extremely popular event with masked and costumed figures parading around small villages and bigger towns of the island.
Easter
Easter - Various locations
Costumes, processions and intense drama are the main ingredients of Sardinia's various festas commemorating Easter.
First Sunday after Easter
Our Lady of Valverde - Alghero
Celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Easter. Devotees from all over the region flock to Alghero to take part in various traditional rituals, the most important of which is a pilgrimage to the magnificent 16th-century sanctuary dedicated to the Saint.
April - June
Festival Alguer and its Journeys - Alghero
The spring edition of the successful Festival Alguer, consisting of a series of concerts, literary meetings, exhibitions and other cultural events.
May
Calvalcata Sarda - Sassari
A colourful celebration of Sardinian culture with people from all over the island coming together. The town comes alive with colourful decorations, costumes, horse shows, poetry competitions, chants and traditional dances.
June – September
Festival Alguer - The Anfiteatro Maria Pia and The Forte della Maddalena in Alghero
A summer-long festival of culture including jazz, musicals, theatre and much more which is held at two of Alghero’s historical venues.
July & August
XXVI Summer Music - Alghero
Classical music concerts in the Chiostro di San Francesco.
August
Alghero’s Cup - Alghero
nternational Tennis Women’s competition
Fair of Candelieri - Sassari
Celebration of the Assumption – The Sassarese people renew every year a vow made in the XVI century to the Assumption to free the town from a plague. An event of profound and ancient religious meaning, the fair is nevertheless pervaded by a playful and spectacular atmosphere.
October
Alghero Challenge Cup - Alghero
Sailing regatta organised by Yacht Club Alghero. Torch-light procession around the town centre.
