Strictly Sardinia – Festivals In Sardinia You Should Not Miss

Host: Claudia Tavani
Date: October 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is dedicated to the vibrant festival culture of Sardinia. Host Claudia Tavani, a Sardinia native and expert, gives listeners an insider’s guide to the most remarkable festivals on the island. She covers their history, unique features, the best times to attend, and tips for visitors. Listeners will leave with a compelling array of events to inspire their next Sardinian adventure, whether visiting for traditional processions, adrenaline-charged horse races, or mouthwatering food festivals.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Sardinian Festival Culture

• Sardinians are passionate about festivals, which are ingrained in the island’s identity and community life. Events revolve around food, wine, music, costumes, and deep-rooted traditions.
• Festivals are a wonderful way for visitors to immerse themselves in Sardinian culture, history, and local hospitality.

  “Sardinians love attending a good festival, a good event. They love an awesome party.” (01:13)

Claudia’s Favorite & Most Iconic Festivals

1. Festa di Sant’Efisio (Sagra di Sant’Efisio) – Cagliari

When: May 1–4
Timestamps: 02:00–06:45

• Historical Significance: Honors Sant’Efisio, who is credited with ending the plague in 1652 after locals made a vow to carry his statue from Cagliari to Nora if he interceded.
• Main Events:
  • Parade of over 5,000 people, each representing different Sardinian towns in distinct costumes and jewelry.
  • The ornately decorated cart (“tracca”) pulled by oxen, with the statue making a 50km journey and returning by midnight on May 4 to fulfill the vow.
• Claudia’s Take:

  “That parade really is the highlight of the entire Festival.” (05:17)

• Tips: Don’t miss events on May 1 and May 4; plan ahead for crowds.

2. Sa Sartiglia – Oristano

When: Carnival season, Sunday before Lent and following Tuesday
Timestamps: 06:55–08:35

• Nature: Dramatic and adrenaline-filled carnival event, attracting visitors from across the island.
• Highlight:
  • Competitors, in costume and mask, ride horseback with spears—aiming to catch a star hanging above the main street (“Race to the Star”).
• Other Attractions: “Le Pariglie” – acrobatic equestrian displays.
• Claudia’s Excitement:

  “It’s adrenaline filled… It is an incredible, adrenaline and joyous time.” (08:05)

3. Festa di San Simplicio – Olbia

When: Second week of May
Timestamps: 08:40–09:50

• Features: Religious ceremonies, horse events, gastronomic stands.
• Notable Day: Festival of Mussels, and the “Palio della Stella” horse race.
• Claudia’s Tip:

  “My favorite day is the festival of mussels, a feast of mussels, which are very typical of this part of Sardinia.” (09:22)

4. Cavalcata Sarda – Sassari

When: May
Timestamps: 09:55–13:38

• Comparable to: Sant’Efisio, but non-religious, originating from historic royal homage.
• Highlights:
  • Parade of traditional costumes, masks (like Mamuthones, Isadores, Merdules), equestrian performances.
  • Revival of ancient traditions post-1899.
• Travel Advisory: Sassari fills up quickly during the festival; book accommodation early.

5. Faradda di Li Candelieri (I Candelieri) – Sassari

When: August 14
Timestamps: 13:39–15:58

• Heritage: Over 500 years old, honors the Madonna Assunta for protection during plagues.
• Unique Element:
  • Procession carries 11 huge, ornate candles (“candelieri”), led by the farmer’s guild.
  • The festival is also known as "Descent of the Candelieri."
• Quote:

  “They are carried by the gremi, the nine worker guilds in Sardinia; the farmers are always held in the highest esteem and traditionally lead the entire procession.” (14:53)

6. Girotonno – Carloforte, Isola di San Pietro

When: End of May/early June (4 days)
Timestamps: 15:59–17:00

• Focus: Tuna celebrations (“matanza” – tuna fishing), food competitions, cooking classes, music and festivities.

7. Santa Maria di Sibiola – Serdiana

When: September 8
Timestamps: 17:01–18:05

• Intimate Local Event: Claudia’s family connection.
• Procession: Villagers in local costumes parade from the countryside church to the village.
• Access: Easy day trip from Cagliari.

8. S’Ardia di San Costantino – Sedilo

When: July 6–7
Timestamps: 18:06–20:32

• Fiery Horse Race: Commemorates Constantine’s victory, adrenaline-filled horse charge around the sanctuary.
• Local Focus: Primarily for locals; showcases authentic Sardinian culture.

9. Corsa degli Scalzi – Cabras, Sinis Peninsula

When: Early September
Timestamps: 20:33–22:01

• Barefoot Procession: 900 Curridoris (runners) in white, carrying San Salvatore’s statue 7km barefoot to recall a 1612 defense against Moorish attacks.
• Next Day: Women’s costumed procession, music, and celebrations.

10. Time in Jazz – Berchidda, Gallura

When: Mid/late August
Timestamps: 22:02–22:48

• Modern Festival: Created by jazz trumpeter Paolo Fresu.
• Atmosphere: Performances spread across town, forests, neighboring villages; a unique time for music lovers.

11. Autunno in Barbagia

When: September–December (weekends)
Timestamps: 22:49–23:58

• Experience: Multiple towns in Barbagia open their courtyards (“cortes apertas”), showcasing traditional crafts, music, food, wine every weekend.
• Accessibility:

  “It won’t be too difficult to fit it in your itinerary.” (23:54)

12. Su Prugadoriu – Seui, Ogliastra

When: October 31–November 2
Timestamps: 23:59–25:22

• Traditional Halloween: Commemoration of souls in purgatory.
• Activities: Local dishes (culurgiones), ancient rituals, crafts, music, and dance.
• Visitor Advice:

  “The accommodation options in this small town are extremely limited, so advanced booking are recommended. Otherwise you can also visit on a day trip from Cagliari.” (25:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sardinian enthusiasm for festivals:

  "There are a lot of ways in which Sardinians celebrate their island… and attending a festival is a great way to get to know us better.” (01:17)

• On the feeling at Sa Sartiglia:

  “The most fun part is the horse race to catch the star… so people dressed in traditional costumes... and have to race through... It is an incredible, adrenaline and joyous time.” (07:36–08:06)

• On the personal touch of Santa Maria di Sibiola festival:

  "If you decide to attend, you’ll probably be the only foreigner in the house... During the celebrations... my parents, my sister, my cousins, my aunts, pretty much everyone in the family got married.” (17:19–17:50)

• On the Accessibility of Autumn in Barbagia:

  "It’s very easy to attend one of these celebrations because... it won’t be too different, too difficult to fit it in your itinerary." (23:54)

Practical Advice & Tips

• Book Accommodations Early: Festivals in Sassari, Seui, and Oristano attract throngs of visitors—secure lodging in advance.
• Join the Community: Many rural festivals, like Serdiana or Sedilo, offer a close-up of local traditions.
• Cultural Etiquette: Participate respectfully in religious and propitiatory rituals; ask permission before photographing people in traditional costumes.
• Family-Friendly Events: Many festivals feature food, music, and activities suitable for all ages.

Conclusion

Claudia presents a passionate, informed guide to Sardinia’s must-experience festivals. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a culture buff, a music lover, or seeking the thrill of unique traditions, there's an event for every traveler in Sardinia. For even more detailed guidance, Claudia encourages listeners to reference her comprehensive blog and consider a personalized consultation.

For deeper details or planning help, visit the full blog post at strictly sardinia.com
Next episode: Best Hikes in Sardinia