The History Of Carnival In Sardinia 0 Comments

Carnival in Sardinia is much more than a simple celebration: its essence reflects Sardinian identity through mysterious masks, ritual dances, and symbolic representations. It is a journey through time, a weave of ancient traditions, myths, and rituals deeply rooted in the island's millennia-old history and culture.

This celebration was locally known as Carrasegare, Carrasecare, or Carre 'e segare in central Sardinia. Etymologically, it means “living flesh to tear apart”, evoking the death of the god Dionysus, who was torn apart by the Titans.

Sardinian Carnival has its origins in pagan and pre-Christian rituals related to seasonal transitions, agrarian, and pastoral cults. During Roman times, some of these traditions merged with the Saturnalia, dedicated to the god Saturn, characterized by joy and revelry. Later, with the advent of Christianity, while retaining many pagan elements, Carnival was incorporated into the liturgical calendar, becoming the celebration preceding Lent.

Unlike the Venetian Carnival or other Italian festivities known for their colorful and cheerful nature, the Sardinian Carnival is imbued with a rather sombre atmosphere and deep symbolic meaning. The characters with traditional masks and costumes represent aspects of life, death, or regeneration.

The Sardinian masks are the beating heart of Carnival, each with a unique story and meaning. Among the most famous are:

1. Mamuthones, with their black wooden masks and heavy cowbells, are accompanied by the Issohadores, who wear white masks and colorful attire. They are typical masks of the Mamoiada Carnival parade. This ancient ritual symbolizes the struggle between man and nature.

2. In Ottana, the Boes wear masks depicting oxen and move with the raw power of animals, while the Merdules, representing farmers, try to tame them.

3. The Oristano’s Sartiglia is one of the most spectacular ceremonies of the Sardinian Carnival, combining equestrian skills and metaphors. The highlight is the "Star Joust", where masked knights attempt to spear a suspended star with their swords.

4. In Orotelli, the Thurpos (meaning "the blind") wear dark, simple costumes, evoking an air of mystery and austerity. Their faces are blackened with cork ash, and they wear a black Orbàce coat called Su Gabbanu with a hood covering their eyes. Across their shoulders, they carry heavy ropes (su reinacru) or a leather belt adorned with bells known as picarolos, brunzos, tintinnos, metallas, and grillinos. Attached to their belts are a gourd of wine and a drinking cup made from an ox horn.

5. The Tempio Pausania Carnival is famous for its allegorical floats and a more modern yet equally engaging atmosphere. Traditional masks take part in the parade, such as lu Traicogghju, a spirit noisily dragging ox or horse hides with chains and pots, la Réula, a macabre procession of the dead, and lu Linzolu cupaltatu, perhaps the most widespread mask, where women (and sometimes men) wear a sheet covering their entire body and face.

6. In Ovodda, Shrove Tuesday is known for its free-spirited and unconventional nature. Here, locals and visitors paint their faces black and enjoy a spontaneous day of dancing, feasting, and the burning of the traditional effigy.

Music, often performed with traditional instruments like the launeddas and drums, accompanies the celebrations, while circular dances symbolize unity and harmony with the cycle of nature.

“Carnival, a festival of dissent, rupture, and social regeneration, lived in a cyclical time of death and resurrection, annihilation and rebirth” (Piero Camporesi)

Written by Daniela Toti