You see a dawn, a saint, a flag, a human river dressed in white, eyes shining and tears streaming down suffering faces. You can hear the pounding of feet as they run first across the asphalt and then the dirt roads, and the heat as the runners speed past the faithful. A captivating picture of faith. And then there's all the intimate. That the runners struggle to express. And that often can't be revealed. A gesture that has been repeated for centuries, in honor of San Salvatore: the Jesus of the people of Cabras. This morning, the ritual of the Barefoot Race was renewed: 900 men in white robes once again carried the statue of the Saint from Cabras to the village of San Salvatore .
The rite
Joy only explodes at the end, at nine o'clock. When the feat has been achieved. Running, as if by magic, manages to release tension and banish the fear of failure. This is what the runners say when they reach the village, after having run eight kilometers barefoot as a sign of devotion. Some ran to renew a vow. For many people from Cabrarese, it is a duty, a necessity to begin a new year at peace with themselves, serene, purified after the great effort. Everyone hugs, everyone exchanges good wishes, everyone is moved. One heart, one faith, that of San Salvatore, who once a year manages to unite an entire community.
The race
Today, the day began at dawn, in the three naves of the church of Santa Maria, bathed in white. First, Mass, then the procession through the streets of the center, and off they went. But only after hearing the bells ring again for the occasion, after years of silence. A surprise for everyone, followed by a huge round of applause. That journey of faith and promises begins with the red flag waving in the distance. First, there's asphalt. And then the long dirt paths of the Sinis Mountains, where a huge cloud of dust rises. A crowd of faithful awaits the runners. The Saint has arrived. Today, it's a great celebration all day. Inside those small, ancient homes, tables are laden with sweets and Vernaccia wine. Because San Salvatore is also this: joy, happiness. Tomorrow, at sunset, the journey will be reversed. The runners will depart from the village to bring the statue back to the church of Santa Maria Assunta, in Cabras. That human snake will once again traverse the dirt roads of the Sinis. And at that point, the vote will be over.
