To the rediscovery of ancient traditions linked to the cult of the dead. From today to November 2, Villasimius will be at the center of a whole series of initiatives linked to the culture of the dead thanks to the "La Tartaruga" association.
A series of events are scheduled which partly have their roots in time, created in collaboration with the parish of San Raffaele Arcangelo, the oratory and the Municipality.
Today at 5pm there is an appointment with Is animeddas, with children and teenagers. On November 1st, in the parish churchyard, a meeting will be held with the anthropologist and writer Claudia Zedda on the theme "When the deceased return".
At 6pm a concert with the “Stellaria” choir.
On November 2nd, mass at 5pm in the parish church and torchlight procession.
There will be “Sa mesa po is animeddas”, the table full of every good awaiting the deceased.
FESTIVAL OF SOULS – Is animeddas or the feast of souls, finds memory in the stories of the elderly who, in these days, as children, between October 31st and November 2nd, prepared to welcome the return of their deceased, setting the tables for the night banquet, praying and lighting the candles. The tables were decorated with bread, wine, seasonal fruit, some traditional desserts including su pani de saba or Is pabassinas, bread, wine, dried fruit, typical sweets, seasonal fruit and much more and left set all night . And that's what will be done on this occasion too.
«Legend – says Simona Vargiolu, president of the La Tartaruga association – wanted the deceased, coming to visit us, to feed on those gifts, prepared in their honor and with love by their living family members. It was customary for children to knock on the doors of the houses of their villages, equipped with a white pillowcase, in search of some sweet or fruit requested in memory of the souls: it was a joy to give the children what they requested since the gift was distributed precisely in memory of the deceased."
The phrase “seus benìus po is animeddas” was the one that echoed through the alleys of the villages together with the laughter of children and the tears of emotion of adults and the elderly.
Also awaited is the meeting with the anthropologist and writer Claudia Zedda, who will explain the traditions and history of Sardinia linked to the memory of the ancestors and in particular to the rites linked to the preparation of food, the use of medicinal herbs and many other anecdotes. Followed by a concert by the harmonious voices of the Istellaria de Santu Nigola Choir.
«On the occasion of the torchlight procession - recalls Simona Vargiolu - we will be able to offer a thought to our loved ones who are no longer with us. Therefore the memory of the deceased turns into a moment of joy for everyone since commemoration becomes the way through which the real and reassuring presence of the deceased is felt. Celebrating them and celebrating them is what makes their presence more alive, making, if possible, their absence more serene and less painful."
