The Society of Sant'Antonio di Mandas began preparations today for the great festival dedicated to the holy Christian hermit who, according to legend, descended into the depths of hell to free sinners from the fire. On Sunday, January 11th, at 8:00 a.m., the traditional collection of wood and any offerings from the faithful will begin through the town streets. The festival will take place on Friday, January 16th: a solemn procession will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by parish priest Don Davide Pau at 5:30 p.m., followed by the blessing and lighting of the bonfire, as per ancient tradition.
The celebration in honor of Saint Anthony (a desert hermit born in Egypt around 250 AD and a Christian pilgrim to the lands overlooking the Mediterranean Sea) represents a unique experience of faith and folklore for the people of Mandar.
A prelude to Carnival, the "Su Fogadoni" ritual is linked to the renewal of nature, the solstice cycles, and above all to the worship of the sun god, for whom the bonfires are an allegory due to the light and heat they emanate. This event, in the town of Alta Trexenta, represents an ancient ritual and every year involves countless citizens, including representatives of various local associations and institutions.
