Their tears speak. In those drops of sweat that cut their faces blackened by the dust of Sinis there is fatigue, faith, courage but also pride.
After all, it is thanks to their strength concentrated entirely on their legs that San Salvatore managed to reach the village. Without a hitch, fast. A magic of an hour.
This morning in Cabras the ritual of the Corsa degli Scalzi was renewed once again.
Nine hundred men “trampled” seven kilometers: first the asphalt and then the dirt road, wearing the white habit, to transport the simulacrum of San Salvatore from Cabras to the village.
A ritual that for the people of Cabras is almost a duty. An inner liberation, a way to be calm and serene for a whole year. This is what they say once they arrive at their destination. A way to remember when a group of fishermen and farmers managed to save the statue from the Saracen raids. They left Cabras shortly after eight: the Scalzi, as always, entrusted themselves to San Salvatore, to feel less tired. When they arrived at the village, joy exploded. For them, lots of applause, kisses and hugs from the mothers, daughters, girlfriends, sisters, all waiting for them. There were also many tourists.
"Today more than ever Cabras identifies with the people of the past, saved from the Saracens through the intercession of the Saint - says the mayor of Cabras Andrea Abis -. The necessary and meticulous organization of the event does not in any way undermine the nobility and sense of belonging. The joint work of the days preceding the festival ensures the success of a tradition that is first and foremost religious".
Tomorrow, at sunset, the rite will be repeated. This time, however, from San Salvatore to Cabras, to bring the simulacrum back to the church of Santa Maria Assunta where it will remain guarded for another whole year. At 7:30 p.m., Cabras will embrace “its” curridoris . And the vow will be dissolved once again.
