Sardinian festivals are not shows for tourists: they are community rituals, often very old, that people attend in traditional dress. Dates and programmes can change, so check the town websites.
- January: Sant'Antonio bonfires
Huge bonfires on 16 and 17 January in Barbagia; in Mamoiada the Mamuthones and Issohadores appear for the first time. - February: Carnival and Sartiglia
The Sartiglia horse joust in Oristano and the ancient masks of Mamoiada, Ottana and Orotelli. - Spring: Holy Week
Spanish-style Passion rites in Cagliari, Iglesias, Castelsardo, Alghero and Sassari. - 1-4 May: Sant'Efisio
The pilgrimage from Cagliari to Nora with ox carts, costumes from all over the island and launeddas music. - May: Cavalcata Sarda
Costumed groups from all over Sardinia parade in Sassari. - July: S'Ardia, Sedilo
A wild horse race around the sanctuary of San Costantino. - 14 August: Candelieri, Sassari
Giant wooden candles carried through the streets by the guilds. - August: Redentore, Nuoro
Costume parade and procession to Monte Ortobene. - September: Corsa degli Scalzi, Cabras
Young men in white run barefoot to the village of San Salvatore.