In a city where history, tradition, and religiosity have been intertwined for centuries, the celebration of Regnos Altos, scheduled to run until Sunday, September 14, represents a moment of profound collective identity. The festival has origins dating back to the mid-19th century, when a child found a wooden statuette of the Madonna among the rubble of the Malaspina Castle. That sacred image was named "Our Lady of Regnos Altos" and displayed for veneration by the people of Bosa in the Church of Sant'Andrea, inside the medieval castle.
Since then, popular devotion has transformed into a celebration that involves the entire community, particularly the Sa Costa district, the heart of the historic center, where characteristic small altars, the "Altarittos," are set up as a sign of faith and tradition. These small treasure troves of religious devotion and creativity, adorned with fresh flowers, filet lace, and handcrafted ornaments, provide the backdrop for the evocative procession with the statue of the Virgin, scheduled for the weekend.
The religious and civic program will be divided into several parts. On Saturday evening, the statue will be accompanied by a procession from the Castle to the Cathedral, with the traditional blessing of the altars set up along the streets of Sa Costa. The event will be enhanced by the participation of participants in medieval and traditional costumes, witnesses to an inextricable connection with the city's history.
On Sunday afternoon, in a symbolic reverse route, the Virgin will return from the Cathedral to Malaspina Castle. Alongside the drapes and flowers, there will usually be hundreds of candles and paper lanterns, inspired by ancient flags, designed to create an even more intimate and luminous atmosphere.
To support the preparation of the Altarittos, the municipal administration has provided vouchers for the purchase of flowers, making the procession even more solemn. The €80 donation will be used to decorate approximately twenty altars. Interested citizens can pick up the voucher at the General Affairs Office until Friday, September 12th. Beyond its strictly religious purpose, Regnos Altos is also an opportunity for gathering and socializing. The streets of the historic center will come alive with open wineries, stands dedicated to local food and wine, exhibitions, music, and entertainment.
