2011-02-18
(Archive)
La Sartiglia
More than a celebration of carnival rites, la Sartiglia in Oristano is a festival linked to luck, praying for fertile ground and abundant crops. It re-enacts a medieval tournament of horsemanship where riders charge at a suspended star-shaped ring.
Rolling drums and a cheering crowd create an electrifying atmosphere as the skilled riders pierce the ring with their swords.
The ancient traditions centre on the unique main character, the King of Sartiglia (Su Componidori)
and his androgynous mask, neither man nor woman. The figure is
decorated with wheat and flowers, set on a table which acts as an altar,
and from that moment is not allowed to touch the ground until the end
of the proceedings, a demigod to give good luck and banish evil spirits.
A string of races and other celebrations take place throughout the day.
When: 6 Mar 2011
Where: Oristano, Italy
From: whatsonwhen.com
last modification: 2011-02-04
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