La Faradda De Li Candareri

Every year on August 14, the city of Sassari stops to celebrate the most important festival, a spectacle of faith and a symbol of community identity, "La Faradda De Li Candareri di Sassari," or the "Descent of the Candlesticks." The festival dates back to the 13th century as a sign of gratitude to Our Lady, who freed the city from the plague. The festival begins in the early hours of dawn, when the Gremi take care of the dressing of their Candelieri - eleven large votive candles made of wood, about 3 meters high and weighing four quintals. As soon as evening arrives, the most anticipated and enthralling moment takes place, the procession of the Candlesticks, an ancient ritual in which the eleven candles are carried by the "Bearers" by arm, preceded by the Gremi and cheered by the crowd. The route winds its way through the streets of the city starting from Piazza Castello, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele until it reaches the church of Santa Maria di Betlem.