Feast of Santa Maria e' Mare

Every year, on the last Sunday of May, the Feast of Santa Maria 'e Mare is celebrated in Orosei; one of the most heartfelt celebrations for the faithful in the Sardinian town. The festival-which celebrates Our Lady of the Sea-begins in the morning in the Piazza del Popolo where "Sa Mutatura" is held, during which fishermen's boats are decorated with colorful flowers and the simulacrum of the Virgin is carried on one of them. During the afternoon, the procession of rowing boats begins along the Cedrino River for a distance of about two kilometers, reaching the small church of Santa Maria near the mouth. The impressive procession is also followed on foot by the faithful and groups in traditional dress. At the end of the mass, octopus sandwiches and glasses of wine are distributed outside the church. The festival is also enlivened by traditional dances and music.