The chariot of Sant'Efisio, pulled by the oxen Chisighisiaici and Nodacuistasa (“If you continue like this” and “You don't conquer it”) left the church of Stampace shortly after noon. The procession of the warrior martyr took place between two impressive crowds.
There are tens of thousands of devotees, spectators and tourists who are attending the 367 edition of the Festa in Cagliari. Record numbers, after years in a low key (but only for participation, not for devotion) due to Covid.
The capital of Sardinia has become the capital of colours, with traditional clothes and sa ramadura petals. The passage in front of the Town Hall was exciting, when, as per tradition, the sirens of the ships moored in the port sounded, which also covered the sound of the launeddas.
Three thousand faithful on foot participate in the procession towards Nora, place of martyrdom, 20 tracas with 270 costumes on board, 66 Municipalities represented, 56 militiamen, 170 devotees on horseback, 2000 seats in the stands, 60 launeddas players, 5 polyphonic choirs, 77 folk associations.
PICTURES:
I colori della festa di Sant'Efisio
The program began in the morning with the investiture of the Alter Nos Roberto Mura by the mayor of Cagliari Paolo Truzzu: he will be the figure who will represent the municipality in these four days of celebration which will end on May 4 with the return of the simulacrum of the Saint in the small church in the historic district of Stampace.
Having archived the two years of severe limitations due to the pandemic, when the Saint traveled in a Red Cross van instead of on the carriage without the faithful around and without the crowds of tourists, in 2023 record numbers will be reached not only for attendance in the city which this year recalls the bombings that destroyed the capital in 1943, 80 exactly.
The streets, on the way up to Nora, place of Efisio's martyrdom, where the simulacrum of the Saint stops, are animated by over sixty musicians and invaded by thousands of flowers with Sa Ramadura (the floral display of homage to the passage of the chariot). There are also numerous events that surround the religious festival, with traditional Sardinian songs and dances that will end on Thursday 4 May with the torchlight procession that will accompany the return of the simulacrum of Sant'Efisio.
THE MOST EXCITING MOMENTS OF THE DAY:
(Unioneonline)