Exactly one week to the great feast of San Costantino and the hearts of the people of sedesi start beating fast.
The first exciting act of Ardia 2023 will take place tomorrow when around 7 pm "sa prima pandela" Marco Mongili and his faithful squires Pier Giuseppe Spada and Alessandro Nieddu will gallop down from su Frontigheddu for the general rehearsals of the race on 6 and 7 July.
The three flags will test the terrain and horses to ensure that the harmony and times of the race are well established. They will enter the sanctuary at full speed through the arch and then climb up to the church which dominates the natural amphitheater. A few laps around and then back down the slope.
On the eve of the trials, the first flag changed horses by mounting "Querula" owned by Sebastiano Meloni di Sedilo . The escort of the third flag Alessandro Nieddu has also been replaced. His brother-in-law Massimo Loi suffered a compound fracture in his arm and his place was taken by Francesco Marceddu , the owner of Nieddu's mare. A choice with an ancient flavour, considering that in the past the escort was often the owner of the horse.
As the Ardia approaches, preparations for the religious and civil celebration intensify, for which three women hold important roles of responsibility .
An na Rita Nanu , 51, is the president of the Santu Antinu Committee, the fulcrum of the whole organizational machine. "Everything is now ready - he says - this is the phase of the finishing touches, but we believe we have worked well to welcome the thousands of people who will arrive".
Pina Atzas , 55, is instead the president of the prioresses who throughout the year deal with the religious aspects of the sanctuary of San Costantino at 360 degrees, with an obscure but demanding job. There are nine of them and they are part of the council which remains in office for one year. They carry out various tasks including cleaning the place of worship, decorating the altar, preparing the sacred vestments for religious functions and welcoming pilgrims. "It is an important job - says Pina Atzas - that we do with great faith".
Giuseppina Carta , 51, is the president of the Iloi archaeological association which is responsible for managing the precious exhibition of the Holy Emperor's ex-votos, which are housed in the local museum while awaiting their return to the sanctuary. "We are honored to host this sacred exhibition - he underlines - because the ex voto represent an important part of the celebration and all the gifts received by grace have a unique story".
Tomorrow during the rehearsals the riders and the public will also be able to admire the historic cross located in su Frontigheddu which has recently returned to its natural place.
"It had been thrown down on July 6 last year in the animated departure, we are happy that the cross has been repositioned - says the mayor Salvatore Pes - because for us, the Sienese represent a very important symbol".
The presence of the cross in that point is a sign of faith for all the riders who look at it and pray before starting the Ardia.