Blasts of trumpets, rolls of drums. But watch out for discordances because the soundtrack is the one that accompanies the most ramshackle company of the Oristano carnival. After three years of absence, the Sartiglia degli asini returns, a fun-loving event that imitates the historic equestrian carousel.
Antonio Madeddu, president of the Giara Oristanese and organizer of the event, has already resolved the delays and named the team that will liven up the afternoon of Saturday 10 February. Thirty-one year old Alessandro Ecca will wear the top hat, alongside two veterans of the race: Beraldo Murru in the role of segundu and Salvatore Casula, terzu cumpoi, even if some will be more familiar with the nicknames “Fasoeddu”, “Zigo Zago” and "Mouse".
“After the long break we thought it was time to return to filling the city carnival with Su Sattilliu a moenti - explains Madeddu - it will be fun”.
There are around twenty knights who will make up the irreverent procession. As tradition requires, the event will open with the announcement, pronounced by Peppe Zucca who, for the record, will also take on the role of judge Eleonora d'Arborea. After the dressing, in the Sant'Efisio district, the whole company will move to via Mazzini to start the race. The first descent, after the crossing of the swords, will obviously be that of the race leader who, with three editions under his belt and zero stars achieved, warns: "until I capture the target I will not hand over the sword to any knight, be prepared to wait ”.
The trio is very close-knit, on the other hand there is no lack of experience. “For me it is the ninth Sartiglia” - says Beraldo Murru, composer in the last edition of 2020, when he scored twice, winning the gold star. However, it is difficult to match the record of Salvatore Casula who hasn't missed a beat since he began his adventure "in moments". “In 2010, as race leader, I achieved the platinum star: three hits in one day. The second time with the top hat, in 2018, I caught two." At what speed matters little, the important thing is to toast with a good Vernaccia. Just under two months until the appointment, but it's still early for the tests and the look is still to be defined. One thing is certain: “We will dedicate this edition to a dear friend who recently passed away - they observe - Giampaolo Sanna, former leader of the Sartiglia degli asini, better known in the environment by the nickname “Spaventino”.
Marianna Guarna
