Carnival Celebrations in Oristano, Sardinia

A masked horse race and a complex series of symbolic rituals, dating back to medieval times, are at the heart of the Sartiglia Carnival. Oristano is a small town in the centre of Sardinia, close to the western coast, famous for this carnival held at the end of every year. Lots of visitors come along to enjoy the spectacle with its choreography, colours and vibrancy for this event that takes all year to prepare.

The key figure on the day is the ‘Componidori’, an androgynous figure who wears a flat white mask with no recognisable features, who races on horseback through the town’s streets searching to catch stars with his sword, which according to tradition, will assure a good new year for the town. The figure is part man and part God and is the focal point of the ceremony.

His style of dress is a little mixed with a traditional Sardinian suit in white and red, with a decidedly Spanish flavour – the event dates back to the time of the Spanish occupation of the island. On his head he wears a top hat, something not typically associated with this region!

The race is accompanied by the playing of Oristano drummers, musicians playing the ‘launeddas’ (a traditional wind instrument made from reeds) and acrobats who fill the streets. At the end of the carnival, the Componidori blesses the crowd with a sceptre that is adorned with flowers, to symbolise the arrival of Spring.