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Sardinia Festivals > Festivals January > Mamuthones Mamoiada
Mamoiada : The Mamuthones
The Origins
The origin of Mamuthones festival goes back to ancient times and the true meaning of the festival has been lost in the mists of time. The festival is thought, by many, to celebrate the victory of Sardinian shepherds (issohadores) against the Saracen invaders, imprisoned and led in procession (mamuthones)
Seen by some as a a ritual procession carried out by Nuragic people to honour some agricultural or pastoral god not dissimiliar to sa Sartiglia,while others believe it is an ancient Dionysian dance.
Some believe that the performance represents the mythical killing of the old people, while others think that the mamuthones mask portrays some diabolical spirit. Whatever the true meaning it;s well worth the visit. The whole village is brought to life with dancing, open houses where locals cook food and offer wine to the crowds. Gorge yourself on suckling pig, local cheeses and Sardinian sweets washed down with strong local wines whilst enjoying the renowned hospitality of the Nuorese people
Additional Information
Visit the Mamuthones website here>>
Where is Masmoiada?
Mamoiada is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Nuoro, located about 110 km north of Cagliari and about 12 km southwest of Nuoro. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 2,582 and an area of 49.0 km²
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Seen by some as a a ritual procession carried out by Nuragic people to honour some agricultural or pastoral god not dissimiliar to sa Sartiglia,while others believe it is an ancient Dionysian dance.
Some believe that the performance represents the mythical killing of the old people, while others think that the mamuthones mask portrays some diabolical spirit. Whatever the true meaning it;s well worth the visit. The whole village is brought to life with dancing, open houses where locals cook food and offer wine to the crowds. Gorge yourself on suckling pig, local cheeses and Sardinian sweets washed down with strong local wines whilst enjoying the renowned hospitality of the Nuorese people
When is It?
During the year, there are vaious feasts and festivals in Mamoiada, the main events are the celebrations for S. Antonio Abate (Jan 16-17) and SS. Cosimo e Damiano (July-September)
What happens in Mamoiada
In January the celebration to honour S. Antonio Abate, which originates in remote times as a rite for the new agricultural season, begins on the evening of Jan 16 - Sa die de su Pesperu - with a ceremony during which a bonfire outside the parochial church is lit and blessed.
The worshippers circle round the fire three times chanting the "Credo". It is tradition to honour the saint by using a brand from the bonfire to light smaller ones in each neighbourhood. All night long and the two following days, the local community gathers around the bonfires where food, sweets and wine are offered to the citizens and to the many visitors. It is on this occasion that the Mamuthones and Issohadores make their first outing of the year.
The worshippers circle round the fire three times chanting the "Credo". It is tradition to honour the saint by using a brand from the bonfire to light smaller ones in each neighbourhood. All night long and the two following days, the local community gathers around the bonfires where food, sweets and wine are offered to the citizens and to the many visitors. It is on this occasion that the Mamuthones and Issohadores make their first outing of the year.
Additional Information
Where is Masmoiada?
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