The scent of laurel has filled the town. The air is magical: in Cabras, the long-awaited day has arrived. Tomorrow morning, at dawn, 900 corridors will renew the ritual of the barefoot race across the dirt roads of the Sinis.
Eight kilometers to carry the statue of San Salvatore on one's shoulders, from the church of Santa Maria to the village church. An ancient ritual commemorating the feat of a group of fishermen and farmers who saved the statue from Saracen raids by running it from the village to San Salvatore, barefoot and with a bunch of branches tied to their ankles: a ploy to raise dust and frighten the enemies by making them believe they were numerous. At least, that's the story the elders pass down.
The day begins at 6:00 a.m. with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Roberto Carboni. At the end of the service, the statue will leave the parish church and be accompanied toward Via Tharros. At the bridge, the final act before the race begins, around 7:30 a.m.: the sedan chair carrying the Saint will be covered, and only then will the 900 aisles leave the town behind. Arriving at San Salvatore an hour later, the joy will explode with tears and enthusiasm. Then it will be a day of celebration.