Throwing a spectacular celebration is something the Sardinians are very good at. Here’s our round-up of some of our favourite Sardinia festivals and events.
Sardinian Festivals and Events in May
Festa di Sant’Efisio, Cagliari, begins on 1st May each year.
A colorful parade passing through the streets of Cagliari and surrounded by beautifully dressed attendants wearing the traditional costume of their town or village. Read more about this exciting event on our blog, Festa di sant'Efisio.
Image credit: Cristiano Cani | Creative Commons
Festa di San Simplicio, Olbia, Olbia-Tempo, early to mid-May
One of the most important events in Olbia, the ‘Festa di San Simplicio’ honours the town’s patron saint. The festivities include costume parades, poetry and songs in the Sardinian language, as well as local gastronomy. The firework show is not to be missed! Read more about this event on the blog, My Sardinian Life.
Cavalcata Sarda, Sassari, mid-May
The Festival of Beauty, held in Sassari and organized to celebrate the visit to the city by Umberto I in 1899, is a parade of some 3,000 people, all dressed in traditional costumes alongside hundreds of horsemen and women. Following the morning parade, a daring horse race takes place and, in the evening, traditional songs and dances take place in Piazza d'Italia. Discover more here.
GiroTonno, Carloforte, San Pietro Island, late May- early June
An international culinary competition held on the island of San Pietro in the south-west of Sardinia where gastronomes promote the local ancient tradition of the 'tonnare' (tuna traps). As well as a range of delicious tuna-based dishes, including Japanese cuisine, visitors can also enjoy wine, live music, arts and crafts at this event. Read more at girotonno.it.
Sardinian Festivals and Events in June
Rally Italia Sardegna WRC, Alghero and Olbia, early June
The Italian round of the International Rally WRC will be held once again, for the fourth year in a row, in Sardinia this June. Find out more at rallyitaliasardegna.com.
Image credit: LPuddori | Shutterstock.com
San Giovanni Battista, Alghero Sardinia, late June
The festival of St. John the Baptist, to celebrate the summer solstice, is held each year in Alghero. On San Giovanni Beach, the festival celebrates the bonds of friendship with its famous fires (called focs in Catalan). Friends, who must be dressed in white, are invited to seal their friendship by jumping the fire on the beach.
Discover more about how the summer solstice is celebrated around the island on our blog, San Giovanni Battista Festival and its ancient magic rituals.
Sardinian Festivals and Events in July
S’Ardia, Sedilo, Oristano, early July
A wild horse race in honour of Saint Constantine takes place every year on 6th July and is repeated on the morning of the 7th. This race, consisting of 100 riders, is held in remembrance of the battle of the ‘Milvian Bridge’ between Constantine and Maxentius. Discover more at santuantinu.it.
Sardinian Festivals and Events in August
Time in Jazz, Berchidda, mid-September
Berchidda (located in the province of Sassari) and the neighbouring villages are hosting the most important Jazz event in Sardinia, and one of the most important in Italy. The festival is coordinated by the founder Paolo Fresu. Find out more at timeinjazz.it.
Faradda di li Candareri – Descent of the Candelieri, Sassari, mid-August
A parade of ‘Candelieri’ (candle bearers) carrying huge candles representing the different Sassari districts that they belong to. This is a huge and popular event held in Sassari. Read more about it in this blog post, Descent of the Candelieri.
Sagra del Redentore, Nuoro, late August
The Feast of the Redeemer is a traditional festival held in Nuoro on the last Sunday of August. This, the 118th edition, will see a mix of religious and folklore events including spectacular parades of traditional Sardinian masks and costumes. Find out more at eventsagre.it.
Sardinian Festivals and Events in September
Autunno in Barbagia, Ottana, Orotelli, Oniferi, Ortueri, early September - mid December
A popular event where 32 Sardinian villages (among them Bitti, Oliena, Dorgali, Fonni) take turns in opening their doors to tourists who want to explore the history, the culture and the most authentic traditions of the island. You’ll find a complete list and dates of participating villages, here.
Sant Miquel Alghero (Festival of Saint Michael), Alghero
The feast of ‘Sant Miquel’ is celebrated each year during the last weekend of September with a 12-day festival in honour of St. Michael, the patron saint of the city. This celebration used to mark the culmination of the summer season in Alghero. Today, it’s a must-see event for visitors, with games, music, arts and crafts and a spectacular fireworks display on the last evening in the port.
Alghero International col beach soccer, Alghero, mid-September
For three days, Brazil, France, Italy and Switzerland national beach soccer teams will compete in the first ‘Trofeo Città di Alghero’. Read more at alguer.it.
Cronoscalata Alghero – Scala Piccada, Alghero
The popular time trial car race, now in its 57th year, takes place at the end of October. The 5km race starts in Alghero and ends in Villanova Monteleone in the province of Sassari. Both vintage and new cars take part. Find out more at scalapiccada.it.
Discovery Sardinia Festival, Sassari, early September
An exciting boutique festival in the beautiful province of Sassari. This is a three-day festival in which a range of brilliant music is played against the backdrop of stunning beaches. The festival offers an intimate atmosphere, alongside an amazing crowd of fellow music lovers. discoverysardiniafestival.com
For more information about festivals and events on Sardinia visit our blog, sardinianplaces.co.uk/blog.
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