La Sartiglia

15 Carnival time in Oristano means the “Sartiglia”, however the “Sartiglia” is not just a Carnival celebration. The ancient equestrian tournament with its traditional ring joust and the “pariglie” race, popular during the “judicatures” (judge-ruled districts) era, also reported in the Royal City of Oristano since 1547, has marked over the centuries the most important festive periods in the history of the main city in the Arborea district. In Sardinia as well as in the Old Continent, jousts, tournaments and carousels during the Renaissance and Baroque Age accompanied the main religious and civil events. Princes’ births and weddings together with the Saint Patrons’ feasts were festive events when the ancient aristocracy and the emerging bourgeoisie, represented by its corporations, decided to compete in horse races and equestrian jousts. During these tournaments the “Mantenitori” challenged their opponents on different games in front of a large crowd. On the island, from the Spanish regime to the Kingdom of Sardinia age, the finding of Saints’ bodies and royal wedding celebrations were the main festive occasions, celebrated by civil authorities with elegant equestrian ceremonies and masked balls. During the 18th century the Guilds, the ancient religious workers’ corporations existing in the Sardinian royal cities since the 15th century, became main characters on horseback owing to their leading role in the economic and social life of that time. Documents report that “los majorales”, the guild authorities, headed the equestrian jousts. This recent historical breakthrough has been a very important piece in the investigation of the rich ceremonial interpretation in today’s “Sartiglia” celebrations, clarifying the indissoluble bond between the Guilds and the equestrian joust. That is the reason why “Su Componidori”´s solemn nomination falls on Candlemas Day. On that occasion the elected horseman is given a blessed candle as a symbol of his official nomination to represent the Guild during the equestrian joust. Hence the “Sartiglia” is not just a Carnival celebration but it also represents Carnival time. The first news about this joust held during Carnival festivities dates back to 1807. According to the oral tradition as well as other indirect evidence confirms, it was a canon’s will, belonging to the Arborea district, to grant the Guilds a farm whose earnings would sustain the expenses to organize the equestrian joust on Carnival days. A living tradition the Guilds have cherished and reaffirmed moulding it to the course of history, changing and preserving its ancient ceremonial, places, main characters and their costumes, however keeping alive pride and passion of those attending this elegant display. Guido Tendas, Foundation Sa Sartiglia Onlus President Introduction