“It takes a lot of history to explain a little tradition.” In the words of the writer Henry James, the strength of cultures with very strong roots, which are, in a long temporal sequence, experienced and renewed with love and respect. Thus the tradition linked to the cult of Sant'Antioco is always very alive and finds its maximum expression in the festival which is celebrated in the lagoon center from 12 to 15 April. It is the 665th time that the homage to the Patron Saint of Sardinia has been renewed.
The story of Antiochus
There is a Passio that describes the martyrology. Antiochus was born in 95-96 AD in Mauritania, which was part of Rome's vast empire. Father Tommaso Napoli, in his booklet “Life, Invention and Miracles of the glorious Martyr Saint Antiochus”, published in Cagliari in the Royal Printing House in 1734, gives this portrait of the Saint who arrived from Africa: “Piously and Christianly educated our Antiochus applied himself after his first studies were that of medicine, which served him as an appropriate means to facilitate the conversion of a large number of infidels”. The African "doctor", by order of the emperor Hadrian, is arrested and tortured and then sentenced to exile on the island of Sulky where he also converts his jailer Ciriaco. At that point an exemplary punishment is decided. He is a symbol of faith, the imperial authorities condemned him to capital punishment. Antiochus died in 127. His fame spread in a short time. A devotion is born that has ancient and robust roots.
The mid-April celebration
From 12 to 15 April in Sant'Antioco all the events, between sacred and profane, which characterize the 665th edition, within the framework of the great identity events of the Region. The most awaited moment is Monday 15th April, the solemn rite of Sa Festa Manna. The solemn mass will be broadcast live on Videolina starting at 5.30 pm. Following the procession opened by 60 knights and amazons. Groups wearing traditional clothes will also accompany the Saint, representing the municipalities where the cult of Sant'Antioco is present. The day, crossed by the notes of polyphonic choirs and launeddas players, will end with fireworks in the lagoon. On April 14th the center of attention will be the traccas, which will leave at 5pm from Lungomare Silvio Olla and then reach the center: with their presence they recall the arrival of the faithful who in the past arrived in Sant'Antioco on board the typical vehicle of transport used in rural communities. Various moments of entertainment are also planned which will take place in Piazza Ferralasco: on April 13th the concert by Dargen D'Amico, on the 14th Eugenio Finardi will take the stage. The following day the double concert of the bands “Nuvolari canta” and Zirighiltaggia for the tribute to Fabrizio De Andrè. Also in Piazza Ferralasco is the Food Music Experience village with many food and wine options. Also included in the busy programme, on 12 April at 5.30pm in the council chamber, is the conference "Popular clothing and the Traccas in religious processions". On the 13th, in the morning, the Travel Book dedicated to the city of Sant'Antioco, edited by the journalist Silvia Ugolotti, is presented. On the same day, in the afternoon, the procession of Is cocois de su Santu takes place: the women, wearing traditional dress, will be the protagonists of a very heartfelt ritual.
The wait
«It is a celebration», explains mayor Ignazio Locci, «much loved by the community, an ancient rite of which scholars have found significant traces in the archives of Cagliari and Barcelona. For the faithful it is a moment of great emotional involvement. The heart of all the celebrations is the Basilica of Sant'Antioco, the cradle, together with the catacombs, of Sardinian Christianity, and the destination of pilgrimage for many faithful. The event is also a strong tourist attraction. The facilities are fully booked. This is the first real test ahead of the summer season."
For the councilors for Tourism and Culture, Roberta Serrenti and Luca Mereu, "it is a very important moment for Sant'Antioco: the identity and spirit of a people are fully manifested".
Massimiliano Rais
