Sardinia and the Sartiglia of Oristano

Sardinia boasts a deep and special bond with horses, symbols of tradition and skill. The island is home to riders of extraordinary dexterity and fame, protagonists of numerous equestrian events that take place throughout the year.

Among the most prestigious events is the Sartiglia in Oristano, held every year during Carnival. This celebration, which attracts visitors from all over the world, takes place on Carnival Sunday and Tuesday, when the best horsemen compete in the traditional Corsa alla Stella (Race for the Star). Astride their horses and armed with swords, the riders gallop along the course attempting to spear a suspended star, a gesture that symbolises skill and prestige.

The Sartiglia is a centuries-old tradition, handed down for over 500 years, which has its roots in medieval jousting tournaments, when knights demonstrated their strength and skill in front of the population. Even today, the event retains its charm, attracting a large audience captivated by the intertwining of history, folklore and spectacle.

The event is not limited to the race alone, but is enriched by a series of rituals with strong symbolic value. Among these, the dressing of Su Componidori, the Capocorsa, stands out. He is the one who has the honour of opening the competitions. During the ritual, the Capocorsa is dressed in traditional clothing and wears an androgynous mask, while trumpets blare and drums roll in the air. This ritual officially marks the beginning of the Sartiglia.

Following the opening by Su Componidori, the horsemen chosen by him follow one another in the race for the star, in a series of exciting attempts that keep the audience in suspense. Once this first phase is over, the festival continues with the spectacular Pariglie: acrobatic performances on horseback that highlight the courage and skill of the riders, who are capable of performing incredible manoeuvres at a gallop.

The Sartiglia concludes with another highly evocative moment: the removal of Su Componidori’s mask. Only when the mask is removed does the Capocorsa return to being a knight like the others, ready to receive the embrace and congratulations of his companions, thus sealing the end of a day full of excitement and tradition.

This event, one of the most heartfelt and representative of Sardinian culture, continues to fascinate and keep alive the bond between the island and its horses, witnesses to a history that is renewed every year with the same enthusiasm.