Mamoiada is the village of the Mamuthones, black wooden masks who parade with cowbells on their backs in a rhythmic step, led by the Issohadores in red and white who throw their lassos. It is Sardinia's oldest and most famous carnival, starting on 17 January with the Sant'Antonio bonfires and continuing on Sundays until Shrove Tuesday, and the Museum of Mediterranean Masks tells the story. Mamoiada is also Cannonau country, with renowned wineries, and an archaeological area with rock-cut tombs, menhirs and the Perda Pintà, a large stele decorated with concentric circles. The September feast of San Cosimo is a chance to taste local nougat.
What to see
- Museum: delle maschere mediterranee
- Stele di Perda Pintà
- Cantine del Cannonau
- Chiesa parrocchiale della Madonna di Loreto
- Menhir del territorio
Festivals and traditions
- Sant'Antonio Abate e prima uscita dei Mamuthones17 January
- Mamuthones e IssohadoresCarnival
- San CosimoSeptember
Festival features
The fires of Sant'Antonio
On the night of 16 January hundreds of bonfires light up village squares and open Carnival.
Read →January to CarnivalThe Barbagia Carnival
Mamuthones, Issohadores, Boes, Merdules and Thurpos: the archaic masks of Sardinia's inland villages.
Read →Weekends, September to DecemberAutumn in Barbagia
Every autumn weekend an inland village opens its homes and courtyards: crafts, food, wine and music.
Read →Nearby hikes
- Tiscali18 km
- Gola di Su Gorropu19 km
- Punta La Marmora25 km
Nearby towns
- Orgosolo · 6 km
- Lodine · 9 km
- Gavoi · 10 km
- Orani · 10 km
- Ollolai · 10 km
- Sarule · 10 km
- Fonni · 11 km
- Oniferi · 12 km
Sources: Grande Enciclopedia della Sardegna; ISTAT. Original texts by Gotosardinia.
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