L'Ardia is a dangerous and exciting Sardinian horse race which has a spirtitual flavour that unites the town of Sedilo. The race takes place both on the afternoon of the 6th June and the morning of the 7th June.

Significance?

This race is in memory of the battle at Ponte Milvio (Rome) in which Costantino defeated the troops of Massenzio allowing him to become the sole Roman Emperor. The legend is that Constantine saw a flaming cross appear in the sky with the words "in this sign thou shall conquer". As thanks to god the following year Costantino granted religious freedom to Christians and for this reason became known as the first Christian emperor.
Costantino began the process of spreading Christianity.

The particular significance in this area revolves around a small church 'chiesa di San Costantino',which according to folklore was built, in thanks, by a shepherd who was liberated from the moors by San Constantino

What Hapens?

On the night before the race, the bareback horses and riders gather on a hill outside the sanctuary grounds. A priest and the local mayor give speeches and prayers for for the victory of Constantine and for Christianity. The race begins suddenly amidst the firing of shotguns and the cheering crowds. The horses charge downhill, The first rider representing Constantine, the next two are flag bearers with the rest of the galloping group close behind. They reach a narrow arch in which riders need great skill to navigate(over the years there have been fatalities at this point)