Sa Sartiglia in Oristano
Oristano's carnaval is very unique and interesting since they have been running a horse race called La Sartiglia for centuries, at least since XVI cent AD. The Sartiglia is organized every year by two different guilds (ancient medieval corporations), the Gremio dei Contadini or di San Giovanni Battista and the Gremio dei Falegnami or di San Giuseppe.La Sartiglia is a sort of Medieval Tournament with knights wearing fabulous costumes and white androgynous masks. The most important people in the Sartiglia are the Componidori. They are the leaders of the knights. The knights ride beautiful horses adorned with flowers and coccarde (colorful flowers made of fabric). All the knights are chosen and selected for their ability by a knight leader called Su Componidori. They all have to run and catch with their swords, while gallopping fast, toward a silver star hanging in front of the Duomo in Oristano's historic center.
Each gremio has a Componidori, elected with a solemn mass on the 2nd of February (Candelora- the day of the candle blessing). At the end the priest blesses the candles for the knights who will join the Sartiglia.
On the Day of la Sartiglia each Componidori (one for each Gremio so there are two) is dressed on a stage by women, the massaieddas, and this moment, called la Vestizione, is very important. At the end of la Vestizione each Componidori will be helped to sit on his horse and from that moment on he can not touch the ground with his feet until the end of the Tournament. The Componidori has now become a God or Semidio. He will carry a double bunch of flowers (pervinca and mammole) green and purple called Sa pippia de Maiu (la bambina di Maggio that symbolizes Spring). He will bless the people and the city at the beginnig of the Sartiglia Race with Sa pippia de Maiu.
At the end of the Sartiglia before it gets dark, the knights will perform the so called Pariglie which are really difficult acrobatics on horses. The pariglie takes place in Via Mazzini.
The Sartiglia takes place twice, on the Sunday before carnevale or Shrove Tuesday and on Shrove Tuesday. It is believed that more stars are caught better will be harvesting and it is considered a good omen!
Sa Sartiglia description and pictures on Italian Notebook
Sa Sartiglia information and pictures
Page 2: Carnevale Festivals in Barbagia Villages of Mamoiada and Orotelli
