Every year at the end of Carnival, normally in February in Oristano (west of Sardinia) a very ancient and characteristic horse race takes place. This medieval tournament has been going on for more than three centuries and every moment and every symbol is meaningful.

King of this tournament is one and is called “Su Cumponidori”, usually a man, he is dressed in public by beautiful women in traditional costumes. This ceremony called “Vestizione” transforms the man in a God of fertility not male nor female. Dressed now with a rich costume a mask and hat, he cannot touch the ground to preserve his purity.

 

A horse is already waiting for him and and other horsemen are already out in the street. Su Cumponidori takes the lead and, blessing the crowd, goes to receive his sword.

After having exchanged blessing with his lieutenant by crossing their swords, the real tournament can start.

The aim is to center a star that is hanging in the middle of the road while galloping at a breakneck speed. The number of stars collected by the Cumponidori and the other masked riders is very important: more stars mean a better year ahead.

The king of the day will have the first attempt then his close knights and then the others appointed to the task by the Cumponidori himself. Once the number of the stars collected is satisfactory the Cumponidori will go back to the Master of the Ceremony to give back his sword.

This is the end of the first part of Sartiglia, that goes ahead with a competition of horse riding where different teams called “Pariglie” will try to show their skills and their bravery with acrobatic and very spectacular races. This goes on until the sun goes down and the jury cannot see the exhibitions any more.

This is a one of the biggest fairs in Sardinia, together with Saint Efisio in Cagliari and I Candelieri in Sassari, and is probably the most spectacular. Religion and ancient pagan traditions are mixed in this event.

If you are planning to go for a city break in February think about it, Oristano is just in the middle of Sardinia so it is quite easy to drive there from Cagliari or Alghero where the main airports are.

To see what else you can do in that area Manuela wrote a post, and if you want to find an accommodation try our hotel category (I would probably suggest an “Agriturismo” in that area).

It’s all for no, if you need more info about Sartiglia or Oristano, feel free to send us an email.

Luca

Some pictures from sartiglia.org