May 4th is the day of the return of Sant'Efisio to the church of Stampace. A long procession accompanied the simulacrum of the warrior martyr to the capital from the places of his martyrdom. The culmination of the celebration is expected with the announcement of the dissolution of the vow by the Archconfraternity.
There are those who arrived well in advance, camping chair under their arm and patience in their pocket. From 6:30 pm, via Roma began to fill up with people waiting for the return of Sant'Efisio, including devotees who have not missed a year and curious people attracted by the silent force of tradition.
8.26pm - Meanwhile, while the city prepares to welcome him back, the carriage with the simulacrum of the glorious Martyr reached Giorgino at 8.26pm.
At Villa Ballero, as per the ritual, Efisio made his entrance to don his gala clothes: this is the moment that marks the passage from the dimension of pilgrimage to that of city triumph. After days of walking between faith and fatigue, the return to the city is awaited as a collective event that unites sacred and popular tradition.
9:00 p.m. - The simulacrum has left Villa Ballero and has begun its journey towards the capital: Don Walter Onano recites the rosary. Among the faithful is also Zigheddu alias Francesco Calledda, an eighty-seven year old marathon runner from Aritzo.
Choirs and devotional songs began to resonate along the route of the traditional procession of Sant'Efisio. A very heartfelt moment that transformed the main street of Cagliari into a space of shared prayer. The wait is marked by choirs from different centers of the island that have created an intense and evocative atmosphere, a prelude to the passage of the warrior martyr so loved by the people of Cagliari. The video is by Mauro Madeddu. Choirs and devotional songs began to resonate along the route of the traditional procession of Sant'Efisio. A very heartfelt moment that transformed the main street of Cagliari into a space of shared prayer. The wait is marked by choirs from different centers of the island that have created an intense and evocative atmosphere, a prelude to the passage of the warrior martyr so loved by the people of Cagliari.
Mayor Massimo Zedda was also waiting for the Saint in front of the Cagliari town hall.
9:56 PM - The procession proceeds at a sustained pace amid the applause of the faithful and the sound of the launeddas, the simulacrum is on state road 195 at the gates of Cagliari. "There is an intimacy that you can feel and that resurfaces in this procession that is truly something important," is the comment of Ottavio Nieddu, artistic director of the event. In addition to the various folk groups, there are about 150 knights who have come to the city to pay homage to the Saint.
10.11pm - The simulacrum is a few metres from the semolina factory.
10:31 PM - The simulacrum has arrived in Viale la Playa: in front of the former semolina factory, the homage of the inter-force group to Sant'Efisio and the throwing of rose petals by the faithful. From now on, the launeddas group of maestro Luigi Lai will accompany the simulacrum to the little church of Stampace.
10.41pm - The militiamen anticipate the procession: the Alternos, Marzia Cillocu, arrives in via Roma welcomed by a warm applause from the crowd. Visibly moved, she greets everyone.
10.48 pm - The simulacrum of Sant'Efisio has arrived in via Roma: inside an immense crowd of faithful. Meanwhile in the small square of Stampace the Carrales choir directed by maestro Giuseppe Altea and the popular orchestra of Sardinia directed by Orlando Mascia are alternating.
11:15 PM - Sant' Efisio is in his Stampace and is greeted by a long applause from the many faithful who have been standing for hours in front of the steps of Sant'Anna. The uninterrupted flow of faithful continues: everyone would like to arrive in the little square, too small to accommodate them all.
11:30 p.m. - Sant'Efisio is in his little church in Stampace: the vow is fulfilled. The cross is replaced on the gala chariot.