The Sartiglia

On the last Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival in Oristano, the ancient tradition of the "Sartiglia," one of the medieval equestrian tournaments widespread in our Peninsula and surviving to this day, is celebrated. The event is organized by the "Gremi," ancient guilds of arts and crafts that still exist today. In particular, the Sunday race is organized by the "Gremio dei Contadini" and the Mardi Gras race by the "Gremio dei Falegnami." The two races see masked knights compete, who -- in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta -- attempt to pierce a star-shaped ring, using a sword and a wooden spear, called a "stocco." The two competitions are almost identical except in the colors of the riders' clothing; on Sundays, the ribbons on the shirt sleeves of the "Componidori" - the race leader - are red, the wooden mask is earth-colored, the pants are honey-colored, and the "coiettu" - the leather jacket - is fastened at the front with leather strings. On Tuesdays, however, the riders wear a shirt with pink and turquoise ribbons, a flesh-colored wooden mask and the "coiettu" tied at the front with heart-shaped silver studs. The races are opened by a procession of 120 masked riders, gathered in groups of three. The more stars are strung and conquered by the colorful ribbons, the better the harvest of the fields. The festival closes at sunset, when the ritual undressing of the "Componitori" and riders takes place and when a grand banquet is held in the presence of all the participants in the joust.