"Disrupting the Sartiglia means canceling it." It is with this clear position that the Historical Guilds of Oristano are asking the institutions to authorize the event without changes to its traditional forms, which they deem incompatible with the new provisions set forth in the Prime Ministerial Decree of January 8, 2025.

The request is contained in a letter addressed to the Prefect of Oristano and the Provincial Commission for the Supervision of Public Entertainment Venues, signed by Salvatore Carta and Michele Pinna, Oberaius Majoris of the Farmers' Guild of San Giovanni Battista, and Carlo Pisano, Majorale en Cabo of the Carpenters' Guild of San Giuseppe. In the document, the Guilds request recognition of the traditional Sartiglia's full compliance with safety requirements and authorization to perform it "in the established, already authorized forms, without alterations that would compromise its aesthetic, ritual, and identity value."

The sticking point concerns the requirement for protective helmets and back protectors, which the signatories argue are incompatible with historical masks, costumes, and ceremonies. "The Sartiglia of Oristano, in its traditional form, unchanged for over five centuries, already fully guarantees the safety, health, and well-being of participating riders, horses, and spectators," the statement reads.

The Guilds emphasize that the joust "is not merely a spectacle, much less a sporting competition," but a collective ritual of identity supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Region. In over 500 years of history, they emphasize, "no fatal accidents have ever been recorded," thanks to a proven system of controlled courses, sandy surfaces, rigorous selection of riders, and veterinary checks.

"Imposing changes that alter the aesthetics, characteristic costume, ritual, and symbolic image of the Sartiglia would be tantamount to irreparably compromising its authenticity," the Germi continue. They say they are ready, should "the profound respect for tradition be lost, to defend and protect the threatened intangible heritage in all venues," also invoking Article 9 of the Constitution on the protection of historical and cultural heritage.