In 1652 a great plague killed half the population of Cagliari. The survivors turned to Saint Efisio for salvation and were spared. Consequently, the people of Sardinia have taken to the capital's streets each year in what is claimed to be the biggest, most colourful religious procession in the world. Some 5,000 people take part, all dressed in traditional costume. Thirty ox-drawn, wooden wheeled 'traccas' lead the way, beautifully decorated with produce and utensils from the land. The horsemen are the most spectacular part of the parade festival, dressed in the colours of their respective district. A squadron of militia in red jackets escorts the statue of the Saint - their job in the past was to protect it from bandits. The main procession takes place on 1 May, but continues through surrounding villages in continuing festivities that end on the fourth, with the return of the effigy to its church in Cagliari.
Themes:
Dance
, Food & Drink
, Spectacle
, History
, Entertainment
, Religion
Hours: All day into evening. Cost: Free. Where: Streets of Old Cagliari Includes Via Roma, church of Stampace, villages of La Maddalena, Su Loi, Sarroch, Villa San Pietro, Pula and Nora Cagliari, Italy
Getting there: Foot: Cagliari locations in the centre of town, in Stampace (west of Largo Carlo Felice) and the harbour area.
Contact Information:
Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo Via Mameli 97 Cagliari Sardinia Italy Telephone: +39 070 664 195. Email: sardinia@sardi.it Website: www.sarnow.com/sardinia/efis1.htm
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