Sartiglia

One of the oldest horse races in the Mediterranean, which has become synonymous with carnival in the west of Sardinia, is held every year on the last Sunday and Shrove Tuesday in Oristano. The noble show of horsemanship, elaborate costumes and masterful technique has agricultural symbolism. There are two races every year: Sunday, organized by the peasant guild, and Tuesday, organized by the carpenter’s guild. The goal of both races is to impale on a thin sword as many starfish as possible. The success of the riders then predicts the fertility and abundance of the local fields. Early in the morning, a group of drummers and buglers comes out from Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea, in front of the Municipal Office of Oristano, accompanied by a herald on horseback, who reads the announcement of Sartiglia in the streets of the historic centre and invites everyone to participate in the equestrian tournament. Su Componidori, the main protagonist of the race, greets friends and knights after visiting the stables and then proceed to the ceremonial fitting. He is accompanied by a group of drummers and buglers, who open a procession consisting of is massaieddas and sa massaia manna carrying baskets of clothes. The rider of the Peasant Guild wears a white shirt tied with red bows, puts a sleeveless jacket over it, tied with leather laces, and an earth-coloured ceramic mask. The knight of the Carpenter’s Guild also wears a white shirt, but it is tightened with pink and light blue ribbons and the jacket is fastened with heart-shaped silver studs and his mask is a clear wax colour. Once dressed up, Su Componidori mounts his horse directly from the table, is not allowed for him to touch the ground until the end of the race. The guild president hands him sa Pippia de Maiu, a two-sided flower, with which he blesses and greets everyone present. Then follows a procession of 120 knights led by Su Componidori, accompanied by a chorus of trumpeters and drummers, massaieddas and gremia, and heads to via Duomo where the Corsa alla Stella race takes place. The race itself begins with a triple crossing of swords between Su Componidori and his fellows, under a green ribbon holding a star. The first ride belongs to Su Componidori, followed by his teammates and all the riders who were blessed with his sword. Then the ride continues with rapiers and Remada. In Via Mazzini, at Su Brocci, a small tunnel, another part of the celebration takes place, spectacular knights acrobatics on horseback. In the evening, at dusk, there is a parade of horses and riders, marking the end of the race, followed by the disarmament of Su Componidori. After removing the top hat and veil, a drum set evokes the moment of mask removal, at which point the guild representatives, knights and others participants come to congratulate him.