Sardinia raises its voice in defense of its roots.

Pietro Pittalis, deputy and regional secretary of Forza Italia, has presented a question to the Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi to request changes to the decree of 8 January 2025, which imposes new rules for events with horses outside of authorised sports facilities . In particular, the impact that the measure could have on one of the most identifying events on the island, the Ardia di Sedilo, is in the spotlight, but the consequences risk also falling on the Sartiglia .

According to the Azzurri, the new rules impose "excessively rigid" safety protocols, which do not take into account the historical and religious nature of the centuries-old horse race held every year on July 6 and 7 in honor of Saint Constantine .

«The provisions of the decree risk   making the Ardia impossible to carry out, distorting its ritual essence and compromising its continuity"   , Pittalis claims. And the Ardia, he reiterates, «is a religious event, organized by the parish priest of Sedilo. It does not provide for winners or prizes. The horses do not belong to sports federations and are registered only with UNIRE» .

Hence the request for mediation: «I asked the Minister what measures he intends to adopt to allow the Ardia and similar events to be held in safe conditions, but in compliance with their historical and cultural specificities». «The Ardia – concludes Pittalis – is an intangible heritage of extraordinary value. The Government should find a balance between protecting public safety and safeguarding popular traditions».