#1 Let’s inspire you: The Holy week in Sardinia

#1 Let’s inspire you

The Holy Week in Sardinia

During this turbulent time, the COVID-19 crisis is affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the globe. The last few months have been unprecedented, and our greatest concern is for the safety and security of all of us. We, at Your Sardinia Experience, believe that health comes first, and it is fundamental we support all our doctors and nurses since unity and compassion are the keys to fight this virus!

At the moment, holidays in Sardinia are not possible, and we had to stop moving for the moment, but it does not mean we cannot think about travelling and dreaming about the next destination and adventure! We can’t wait to see you again and visit together the outstanding and mysterious Sardinia with our hiking in the wild nature, and our experiential tours to discover the culture and enogastronomic traditions of the island. Our team will be ready to welcome you back, and we will continue to provide you with an unforgettable and authentic experience as only Your Sardinia Experience can do.

Unfortunately, several events have been cancelled, postponed and modified due to the COVID-19, included the evocative processions and traditional rites that characterised the Holy Week in Sardinia. During the Easter period, the celebrations of the Holy Week organised by the local Confraternities, take place all over the island and they are very different compared to the rest of Italy. They represent one of the main events for the local communities and in some towns, like Iglesias and Castelsardo, they become even more suggestive, and it is like taking a journey into the past. Archaic rites, evocative processions full of traditions and mystery, ancient symbolism along with the local specialities, are the perfect ingredients to create an intense religious atmosphere.

This year Easter will be celebrated differently; however, we can’t wait to invite you next year and experience with us the Holy Week and other events around Sardinia! We all look forward to welcoming you back to discover the cultural heritage of this unique island of the Mediterranean Sea.

[… date back to the Middle Ages, when the Benedictine monks managed the religious, social and cultural life of the communities that lived around Casteldoria and Tergu.
The celebrations are organized by members of the Oratorio di Santa Croce Confraternity. They begin on the Monday after Palm Sunday with Lu Lunissanti, one of the oldest religious rituals in Sardinia, which comprises the celebration, at dawn, of Mass at the altar of the Criltu nieddu or Black Christ in the chapel of Santa Maria Church. At sunset, when all the lights are turned off, the Notti Santa or holy night begins. The procession of the Mysteries, led by the Apostles and accompanied by choirs singing centuries-old songs, pass through the narrow streets in the old town, which are illuminated by torches and oil lamps carried by members of the male and female confraternities. The early Maundy Thursday features the procession symbolizing the meeting between Our Lady of Sorrows and the moribund Christ – whose wooden statues date to the 1300s – accompanied by two choirs of the Santa Croce Confraternity, which chant the Miserere, and Stabat Mater. On Good Friday, the rituals conclude with the Descent from the Cross and the burial of Christ ceremonies].

In the meantime, stay safe and let us inspire you from home!

See you soon!

Elisa Mameli
Aprile 2020 © Your Sardinia Experience
All rights reserved
Photo credits: Alessio Orrù

Bibliography:

Carlo Delfino Editore, Religious and Secular Festivals in Sardinia

 

 

The “Nuraghe”, a Thousand-years old heritage!

The Nuraghe, a Thousand-years old heritage!

The island of Sardinia is one of the most ancient lands of Europe. Home of ancient cultures and a key stopping point for sailors and commercial traders for millennia, archaeological evidence suggests that the island was already populated from 8000 BC, and scholars consider Sardinia as one of the first cosmopolitan centres of the Mediterranean Sea. Undoubtedly, the Nuragic civilisation and its culture are considered the most fascinating and mysterious features of Sardinia’s history. This ancient civilisation derives its name from the characteristic and enigmatic monument called Nuraghe; majestic truncated conical towers made of extremely large blocks of basaltic stones and built without any bonding material. Built between 1800 and 1600 BC, these archaeological monuments, unique in its kind and only visible in this part of the world, represent a symbol of  Sardinia’s history and cultural identity. The most striking feature of the Nuraghi is that approximately 7000 are still evident all around the island, but archaeologists estimate that more than 10.000 have been constructed in ancient times.

The origins and purpose of Nuraghi remain mostly unknown and a matter of debate between scholars. During excavations, archaeologists found artefacts such as stone tools, cooking vessels and animal bones lead many to the conclusion that Nuraghes were utilised as homes or for household activities. Some theories, for example, hold that they were defensive structures and others claim that due to their position they were used as astronomical observatories. Along with the Nuraghi, it is possible to visit other remarkable and suggestive archaeological sites build by this mysterious civilisation and surrounded by nature like sacred wells and the megalithic tomb called “Giants Tombs”.

What you could experience with us

It is clear that the history of the Nuragic civilisation and how they construct these unique archaeological monuments remain a secret, and so many questions still need to find an answer. If you are planning to visit Sardinia and experience a day away from the magnificent coastline, Nuraghi and the Sardinian archaeological sites represent a must-see of the region and with our “Barumini and Marmilla tour from Cagliari, “ we will lead you to the fascinating story of the island and beautiful sceneries. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini and learn more about the myths surrounding the Nuragic civilisation. Su Nuraxi was unearthed during the first excavation campaign in 1950, and it is considered the best-known example and the most complex Nuraghe of the island. Located in the Marmilla region, the site is famous for its central tower and surrounding village. Here you will also visit the Giara, a protected area home of 600 small wild horses unique in their kind throughout the world, with the opportunity to spend a whole day in close contact with the local nature.

But why visit only one? Your Sardinia Experience offers various Nuragic and archaeological tour where you can visit other noteworthy and exceptionally well preserved Nuraghi around the island like Nuraghe Nolza, Nuraghe Losa and Nuraghe Santu Antine just to cite a few.

Go back in time with Your Sardinia Experience and experience an entire day dedicated to the archaeology and nature of Sardinia!

 

⇒ Join us: https://bit.ly/32tiWwZ

 

Recent Trip Advisors reviews:

Amazing and Unexpected

My husband and I stopped in Cagliari on a cruise. Looking for things to do, I ran across this tour. I almost cancelled it and I am so glad I did not. It was truly one of the highlights of the cruise. The site was one of my favorite sites on my 2.5 week trip in Europe. You literally get to crawl through 5,000 year old ruins that are extremely well preserved. Our guide was excellent-very knowledgeable and friendly. He even brought us homemade cookies to welcome us to the island. A must-see if in Sardinia.

Amazing!

Our guide was amazing! One day we did Barumini and the tour was so amazing we booked Nora for the next day. The knowledge of our guide and his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge of Sardinia was incredible. We have travelled all over the world and have had many experiences with tour guides, and this was one of the best by far. We would recommend this company without hesitation. Grazie!

Elisa Mameli ©
Copyright – All rights reserved – 2020
Your Sardinia Experience ®

‘The Sardinian carnival’ and the St. Anthony bonfires.

SAINT ANTHONY BONFIRES AND THE SARDINIAN CARNIVAL

Last week, on the night between the 16th and 17th of January, the whole island of Sardinia celebrated the Saint Anthony Bonfires, one of the most awaited celebrations of the year and best representation of Sardinian folklore. A mixture of Christian traditions and pagan worship, the origins of this ritual has ancient roots and in the past, it represented one the main events for the rural communities of the island as a propitiatory rite for the new harvest year and in honour of Saint Anthony the Abbot.

But what is the story behind this cult of fire, a blend of sacred and profane?

According to the legend, in ancient times, temperatures in Sardinia were so low that Saint Anthony descended into hell to steal a spark of fire, to bring it on earth and give fire to humanity. This ceremony, full of symbols and meanings, has remained almost unchanged from the past. The fire, the main feature of the feast and symbol of community and the life cycle, is made of different wood, for example, rosemary brushwood or large hollow tree trunks, and takes different names depending on the area.

During the cold night of the 16th of January, the fire burns all night; creating a suggestive and magic atmosphere, with breath-taking contrasts between the lights and the shadows that warm the heart and soul. It is a custom that people gather on the firewood, where they dance together, sing traditional songs and enjoy eating the typical Sardinian sweets with a good glass of Cannonau.

Saint Anthony Bonfires is celebrated in more than 100 villages across the island, and each village has its own unique way to celebrate and cherish the tradition of this event. For many villages of Sardinia, especially in the inland area of Barbagia, these particular days are the most awaited by the locals since it represents the beginning of the Sardinian Carnival and the first appearance of “Sá Prima Essià”: the traditional masks crafted by local artisan. The small village of Ottana is the house of Boes and Merdules and in the small town of Orotelli, you can see the first parade of Sos Thurpos, or in Mamoiada, the first parade of Mamuthones and Issohadores, just to name a few.

What you could experience

Far from the beaches and the coastal areas, Barbagia is a tough place of mountains and shepherds. With Your Sardinia Experience, you can have the fantastic opportunity to learn the traditions of these small treasures in the heart of the island and live an authentic journey with the Barbagia Experience Tour!

A whole day dedicated to the discovery of the heritage and enogastronomic traditions of two of the most popular and picturesque town in Sardinia: Mamoiada and Orgosolo. Mamoiada is a small village with a population of less than 3000 inhabitants famous for the specific local masks, Mamuthones and Issohadores, and its wine, named after the grape variety, called Cannonau. Even Orgosolo is a small town with an estimate of 4000 inhabitants, and it is particularly renowned for its colourful and meaningful murals; a real outdoor museum in the centre of the island!

Some of the great experiences included in the Barbagia Experience tour are the visit to the MaMu, also known as the Mamoiada Museums network, the visit at the local wine cellar with the food&wine experience and the last stop is the walking tour in the village of Orgosolo between the murals and the old historic centre.

What are you waiting for?
Join us and enjoy an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of Sardinia!

→ web site link: https://bit.ly/2R8bwv8

Elisa Mameli | all rights reserved ©
Your Sardinia Experience | 2020
Photo credits: Valerio Deidda