The Feast of Sant’Antioco, patron saint of Sardinia, is held three times a year in the municipality of the same name located in the extreme south-west of the autonomous region, in the historical sub-region of Sulcis-Iglesiente, right on the island of Sant’Antioco (archipelago of Sulcis), connected to the Sardinian island territory by a bridge. The most important celebrations are those that take place fifteen days after Easter (the so-called Sa Festa manna); then there are the anniversaries of August 1 (the summer edition) and November 13, the day of the martyr’s death.
This tradition dates back to at least 1520, while the main feast, in its current form, has been celebrated since 1615, when the relics of the saint were discovered in the catacombs under the Antiochian basilica, coeval with the basilica of San Saturnino in Cagliari, found in a sarcophagus altar. The heart of the event is represented by a solemn religious procession which takes place on Monday, followed by the typical traccas, the lavishly decorated Sardinian chariots, and by various groups of people wearing traditional folk clothes.
Not only worship but also music, art, traditional songs and dances, tastings, equestrian team competitions, art exhibitions and fireworks; a food and wine fair is also organised.
To reach the area from the Italian peninsula, you can take one of the ferries to Cagliari departing from Civitavecchia or Naples; after disembarking, you have to continue for about 88 kilometers, along the Iglesiente SS 130 Road, by car or, by bus, with the ARST 801 R line or with the 802.
Festival of Sant’Antioco, protector of Sardinia
The Festival of Sant’Antioco, protector of Sardinia, is a religious event that combines faith, culture, tradition, folklore and entertainment. The “manna” (large in Sardinian dialect) festival takes place annually on the fifteenth day following Easter and includes a religious procession followed by decorated chariots and horsemen, with the participation of numerous folk groups from all over the island. The simulacrum of the saint is decorated with loaves called “is Coccois de su Santu” and, for the occasion, the streets of the municipality of Sant’Antioco are covered with petals.
Although little is known about the life of the Holy Martyr, it is believed that he was born in Mauritania around 95 AD; doctor, raised in the Christian faith, dedicated himself to spreading the teachings of Christ, before being martyred and abandoned at sea. According to legend, he miraculously survived and took refuge on the island of Sulci, continuing to spread the Gospel. When Roman soldiers came to arrest him, he asked permission to pray and then suddenly passed away, surrounded by a dazzling light. In his honor a church was erected above the cave where this extraordinary event took place.
2023 program (664th edition)
The feast of the patron saint of Sardinia reaches its 664th edition in 2023. This anniversary is considered a significant event not only religious but also of identity for all Sardinians. The festivities will take place in the municipality of Sant’Antioco from 21 to 26 April and will include various events, with the participation of prominent musicians such as Fausto Leali, Piero Marras and I Gemelli DiVersi, who will perform in Piazza Pino Ferralasco square. An ethnogastronomic market will also be set up with specialties from Sardinia and other regions. Furthermore, the Basilica will host musical performances such as the “Cantata di Paradiso” on April 21st and the sacred music “I suoni dell’anima”, by the Ente Lirico of Cagliari, on April 26th.
A spectacular Sunday tracas parade has also recently been established, with participants in traditional dress and performances by folk groups. Along the way, the chariots make stops and their beauty can be further appreciated. The “is Coccois de su Santu” parade this year is all female.
The main event remains that of Monday, when the saint and his relics will parade through the streets of the town. More than 1,200 figures, dressed in traditional clothes from all over Sardinia, will accompany the solemn procession, followed by the tracas, launeddas players, horsemen and amazons. The day will end with a fireworks display.
The local historical and archaeological park can be visited with the special rate of €8. The tour includes a visit to the Barreca archaeological museum, the tophet, the Punic necropolis, the acropolis, the underground village, the ethnographic museum and the Savoy fort.
An immersive room, based on augmented reality, will be installed in the Palazzo del Capitolo, in which the history of the Saint is represented with new technologies; the visit to the room can be made during the days of the feast from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 18:30.
The complete program, with the itinerary of the solemn procession, the route of the tracas and the map can be consulted below, in pdf format.
