La Sartiglia
Oristano
3rd Feb |
On the last Sunday and the Tuesday of Carnival, Oristano hosts La Sartiglia, one of the most spectacular carnival events in Italy. More than a simple celebration of carnival rites, a reenactment of a medieval tournament or an exhibition of horsemanship, it is a collection of traditional and cultural elements handed down over the centuries, deeply significant for the local people.
The word sartiglia comes from the Latin sorticola which means ring, and sors - luck. This is a festival linked to luck, praying for fertile earth and bountiful harvests,
The ancient traditions centre around the unique main character, the King of Sartiglia (Su Compoidori) and his androgynous mask, neither man nor woman. The figure is decorated with wheat and flowers, set on a table which acts as an altar, and from that moment is not allowed to touch the ground until the end of the race, a demigod to give good luck and banish evil spirits. A string of races and other celebrations take place throughout the day.
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