“Sa Xida Santa”, the tradition is renewed in Dolianova: s'Incontru between San Biagio and San Pantaleo
120 years after the union of the villages, the rite of the two saints who accompanied Jesus and Mary is repeatedPer restare aggiornato entra nel nostro canale Whatsapp
Dolianova is preparing to experience "Sa Xida Santa," Holy Week, which from March 29th to April 6th will transform the historic centers of Sicci San Biagio and San Pantaleo into a grand collective tale of faith, tradition, and identity. Dolianova's Easter rites are rooted in the history of the two ancient villages, united in 1905.
The program kicks off with a series of events dedicated to traditional craftsmanship, featuring workshops open to the community. Local craft experts from the Societas Sicci Sancti Blasi Dolianova and the Is Axrolas Association will guide young people in making traditional instruments such as mattraccas and stroccia ranas, essential during the silence of the Easter Triduum on March 30th and 31st. This is an opportunity to engage the younger generations and keep the cultural memory of the area alive.
The heart of the event, however, remains the religious rites of Holy Week, which accompany faithful and visitors on an intense journey through liturgical celebrations, processions, and moments of intense popular participation, culminating in the central days of the Easter Triduum.
Easter is particularly eagerly awaited, with the traditional encounter between the two historic communities, a symbol of unity and shared identity. Despite unification, the dualism of their origins has remained alive and is manifested in the central moment of "S'Incontru." The two processions depart from their original historic centers: Sicci San Biagio escorts the Risen Christ, while San Pantaleo accompanies the Madonna. The processions pass through the historic streets of their respective villages and converge in Piazza Brigata Sassari, where the solemn meeting of the statues takes place. The gesture of the three bows, repeated according to tradition, and the symbolic embrace between the parish priests and civil authorities represent the reconciliation and union of the two historic communities.
An event that unites religious rites, culture, and celebrations, made even more significant by the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the merging of the city's two original boroughs. "Sa Xida Santa is the living heart of our community," explains Luca Dessì, President of the Societas Sicci Sancti Blasi association, "a blend of ancient gestures, faith, and identity that continues to unite generations. These rites tell the story of who we are, preserve our history, and transform it into a shared experience that speaks to those from outside. This tradition today becomes a concrete opportunity to enhance the local area, strengthen our sense of belonging, and project our identity into the future."
The "Grande Festa in Piazza" (Great Square Party) in Piazza Brigata Sassari will liven up Easter Monday: a collective celebration featuring music, entertainment, and a celebration of local products and traditions, starting at 8:30 pm with a performance by singer Jay Santos and a DJ set by DJ Fargetta (Get Far). Organized by the Municipality of Dolianova and Societas Sicci Sancti Blasi Dolianova with funding from the Region of Sardinia, the Department of Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce - Regional Program of Holy Week Rites - Regional Law 7/1955, Sa Xida Santa involves numerous local organizations such as the Is Axrolas Association, the Santa Lucia Committee, the Canticum Novum Association, the Parteollese Music Circle, the Città di Dolianova Folk Group, and the Parish Choir and catechism students. The Confraternities of Mercy also support the organization.
"Sa Xida Santa" thus confirms itself not only as a religious event, but as an immersive experience capable of narrating Dolianova through its history, community, and traditions, as Ivan Piras, the mayor of Dolianova, states: "Since 1905, the year the municipality was founded, and since the first rites celebrated together in 1906, this tradition has established the profound bond between the communities of Sicci and San Pantaleo. Today, as then, our two churches, San Biagio and the former Cathedral of San Pantaleo, are united in a single embrace of faith and culture. From March 29th to April 6th, our history comes to life again through a comprehensive program that combines solemnities, workshops, and the joy of celebration in the square on Easter Monday. It's an opportunity to celebrate our roots and show the world the authentic beauty of our people."
(Unioneonline)