There's a deep thread that ties a town's traditions to its way of defending its dignity. In Orani, that thread also runs through horses, through ancient gestures, and through the sincere bond of a community that today unites around its youth. The town, which found itself in the spotlight precisely for an alleged clandestine horse race, after hours of silence, has chosen to speak out, defending its youth and the profound meaning of an act that, in its intentions, is more cultural than illegal .
Eight young people from Orani were identified and reported by the Carabinieri for organizing and participating in an unauthorized horse race through the town's streets on October 13th, shortly before the celebrations in honor of San Daniele. The news quickly circulated on social media and the media, casting a sudden spotlight on the town in the Barbagia region.
The Municipality thus broke its silence with a lengthy post published on its official Facebook page. The tone is firm, yet laced with bitterness, emphasizing the identity of the town and the Sardinian hinterland.
The administration immediately clarified that these were not "illegal" races, but rather vardias, "which are not contests of chance, but expressions of skill, courage, and a sense of belonging, passed down through generations and celebrated in many traditional festivals on the island. Just as we pass down the love and respect for our horses, which are not 'vehicles' but lifelong companions, cared for with dedication and affection and an integral part of our identity."
Then, a comment on the wound that has left this attention on an episode considered "not serious": "We are sincerely surprised and saddened to see Orani's name in the national spotlight today, not for a literary prize, not for an international exhibition, not for a new example of artisan excellence, but for an episode that, with all due respect, seems to us to be of modest importance compared to the history and cultural identity of our country."
And it is precisely this history that the Municipality proudly returns to. "Orani is the town of Costantino Nivola, Salvatore Niffoi (Campiello Prize winner), Marianna Bussalai, and Piero Borrotzu. It is the town that proudly opens its courtyards every year, that passionately celebrates its traditional carnival, that is known for its artisanal skills, equestrian events, and the traditions it cherishes with care and respect."
A list that becomes a declaration of love for the region and its people. "Because," it continues, "the country is accustomed to making headlines for what makes us unique and uncommon. And if, in organizing an event, something didn't work out as expected, we will address it with responsibility and transparency."
But it's in the final part of the message that the proud defense of their children and of the country itself arrives: "The image they want to project of us and our children today: nothing so serious has happened that it can't be corrected, and nothing justifies a narrative that paints us in a distorted light. Orani will continue to be what it has always been: a town that knows how to cultivate culture, build community, and engage in self-criticism. But, above all, a town that knows how to command respect."
And in closing, the Municipality states: "If we've made a mistake, we're ready to discuss how to act while respecting the rules, because this is also part of culture: always wanting to improve."