More than a celebration of carnival rites, la Sartiglia in Oristano is a festival linked to luck, praying for fertile grounds 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.
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.
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