Not red in memory of the blood shed as a martyr but yellow and white roses is Simplicio dressed, in honor of the Roman Apostolic See. Olbia renews today the vow to its patron saint according to an ancient faith that has been perpetuated for centuries but, this year, San Simplicio has the colors of the resurrection and the jubilation of extraordinary days.
The parish priest – «This time our patron saint is carried in procession during the elections and the inauguration of a pontiff, therefore, this year, he is dressed in white and yellow petals and not red, as happens for the Holy Father on Easter days and not ordinary days where he lays down the red stole of Petrine martyrdom to wear the white and gold one of Christ's resurrection», says the parish priest of the Basilica dedicated to the first Sardinian bishop (and the only one awarded the palm of martyrdom), Don Antonio Tamponi. It shines with a special light, Sa festa manna de Mesu Maju 2025 that dresses Olbia in celebration until May 18.
Baptism of Fires – Inaugurated by the spectacle of fireworks cascading over the sea that for a century has marked the beginning of the profane celebrations, today is the day of the commemoration of the martyrdom paid by Simplicio under Diocletian. The city greets the saint from the first light of dawn, awakened by the notes of the city band with the Diana tradition, a march that passes through the streets and neighborhoods of the city, stops at the town hall and is welcomed by the bishop of the Diocese of Tempio Ampurias, Monsignor Roberto Fornaciari, who at 11:30, together with the priests of the diocese, celebrates the solemn pontifical mass in the parvis of Basilicata. Accompanied by twenty-two folk groups from all over the island, at 6 pm, the statue of San Simplicio passes through the streets, where he was dragged tied to a cart, marked by his martyrdom: embroidered white cloths hung from the windows and petals and mint leaves thrown at the passage of the gilded wooden simulacrum dating back to the seventeenth century, the procession, before returning to the church, is honored by the Infiorata, a cascade of flowers poured on San Simplicio from the top of the firefighters' aerial ladder. The mass and the procession will be followed live by Videolina.
