If May Day is a date in Sardinia that fills the streets of the city of Cagliari with celebration, the evening of the 4th is something almost magical.
The return of S. Efisio to the small church dedicated to him in Stampace is a collected, fascinating, intimate moment . The crowds are not the same as the days before. There is a different atmosphere. There are the faithful, gathered in silence, the groups that parade with sacred composure, there are lights, there are songs.
And there's also the adrenaline that gives way to a happy tiredness, after four days of walking that are worth a year of preparation . It's about arriving at the end, satisfied and ready for the next time. St. Efisio unites everyone, really everyone, adults and children. In a tradition that has lasted for 367 years, but which remains identical in the emotions, rituals and waiting.
Among the Sardinians, there are also many tourists, curious to attend a party read in some guide: they feel lucky to be in Cagliari right now. Almost as if it were a sign, a blessing to keep close together with travel memories.
When the statue of the Saint returns to his church, the applause starts spontaneously and thunderously, among the lights that gild the Stampace district and the cry that is always the same: Ad attrus annus mellus.
The event was followed by Videolina cameras and broadcast live on Unionesarda.it starting at 9pm.
Anna Julia Salis
