Cagliari, thousands for Sant'Efisio: a popular celebration, between faith and folklore

A popular celebration, capable of uniting faith and folklore for centuries.

Thousands of people – devotees, residents and also many tourists – crowded, like every May 1st, the streets of Cagliari , on the occasion of the 369th Feast of Sant'Efisio.

The statue of the warrior martyr began its procession towards Nora surrounded by devotion, affection and a real public outcry.

Over 2,800 participants in traditional costume paraded in front of the crowd gathered to admire the carriage with the statue, including 32 groups of horsemen with a total of 162 horses, four platoons with 56 militiamen and five groups of instrumentalists with the launeddas.

The procession also included 17 traccas and 70 groups of devotees on foot.

"The Pope honored us in 2013 with his presence in the city: the first pastoral visit during his pontificate, which was characterized by the same messages that accompany the procession of Sant'Efisio: peace and attention for those who suffer and for the least", said Mayor Massimo Zedda.

"I am honored to represent all women and I especially greet the people who are not at peace unfortunately because of all the wars that are very close to us", said Alter nos Marzia Cilloccu , the third woman called to represent the municipality of Cagliari for the occasion. And the governor Alessandra Todde : "I would ask Sant'Efisio not only to protect my community, to give it hope for the future, courage and prosperity, but also to help us find the peace that is lost in many communities".

After arriving in Nora, the simulacrum will depart on May 4th to return, by midnight, to the same church in Stampace. The city's vow to the saint who freed Cagliari from the plague in 1657 will thus be fulfilled.

THE NEWS OF THE DAY

8 am – Final touches in Largo Carlo Felice during the dressing ritual of the Alter Nos, Marzia Cilloccu, in her home, now awaited by the militiamen of Sant'Efisio in front of the former Semoleria, on the outskirts of Cagliari.

8.15am – The Alter Nos Horse

The horse of Alter Nos Marzia Cilloccu has arrived at the semolina factory. His name is Iebe and he is 11 years old. He is the horse that was chosen to escort the representative of the Municipality of Cagliari for this 369th edition of the feast of Sant Efisio. A docile and intelligent animal, with Marzia Cillocu he immediately established a relationship of trust and collaboration.

For Cillocu, an intense month of tests to be prepared for May 1st. In the interview, the two soldiers who contributed to the riding lessons: on the left, the graduate adjutant Emanuele Mura, on the right, the sergeant major adjutant Mirko Deidda.

8.30 am – The militiaman's wait

Marco Viola, a Stampace militiaman since 1978. He is also there, in the company of his horse Orchidea, in the former Semoleria of Cagliari, waiting for the arrival of the Alter Nos. Viola's life has been dedicated to the holy martyr: his love for the celebration was born immediately, at home, as a child. The family tradition, started with his grandparents, has not stopped and every year the devotion is stronger than ever.

8.40 am – Clarissa, the youngest participant

Marta Pitzalis, 35 years old, with her little Clarissa Porceddu, 4 months old: the youngest participant in the Feast of Sant'Efisio comes from Settimo San Pietro.
The first time that Mom Marta participated she was 15 years old: "Bringing the little girl with us today is not only beautiful, but very important. We are very devout and Sant'Efisio is the most important celebration we have."

9am - The groups gather

It is a play of colors, the one that comes to life when the sun becomes high. Traditional clothes, handkerchiefs knotted with care, embroidered drapes: every detail tells a fragment of Sardinia. But what is most striking are those rosaries, held between the fingers of those who believe, those who hope, those who have been moving and preparing for days to best honor Sant'Efisio, the warrior saint.

In the Salesian courtyard, the very air is filled with devotion. Don Antonello looks up and smiles at the groups arriving from every corner of the Island. His gestures are solemn, his words measured during the blessing.

It is an event that has been renewed for 369 years, but that never ceases to excite. There are those who come to give thanks, those who come to pray and ask for strength, those who come to keep a promise alive. ( Fr. Me. )

9.20 am – The Alter Nos in the Town Hall

Alter Nos Marzia Cilloccu has arrived at the Town Hall. Greeted by the applause and emotion of those present, she is ready for the official investiture with the insignia of the municipality and the Golden Fleece.

9.30 am – The delivery of the Toson D'Oro

A message of hope and future. At Palazzo Bacaredda, the mayor of Cagliari Massimo Zedda, in the presence of the Alter Nos and representatives of the Archconfraternity, thanked those present and dedicated a thought to Pope Francis, who came to the Island in the distant 2013. A day of faith that unites the Sardinians in the memory of the Pontiff and in devotion to the warrior Martyr.

9.50 am – The mayor of Maracalagonis, Francesca Fadda, also parades for Sant'EfIsio, holding little Luigi in her arms.

10.15 am – The parade of the colors of the Island

The party comes to life. The groups parade through the streets of Stampace.

10.30 am – The streets are crowded

The streets where the procession that accompanies Sant'Efisio to Nora will pass slowly fill up. The Launeddas players of Villaputzu will open the parade, followed by the tracas decorated and adorned for the occasion. In Cagliari there are also many tourists. (Fr. Me.)

11am - The keeper of the keys of the Saint's chariot

In the heart of Stampace, among lit candles and gazes full of devotion, Alessio Lecca watches over the symbol of an ancient legacy: the keys to the chariot of Sant'Efisio, kept for generations in his family: «Every year a different emotion, we also do it for those who are no longer with us».

11.30am – Todde’s second time at the Festival

Hope, devotion and faith. The President of the Region Alessandra Todde celebrates the 369th edition of the feast of Sant'Efisio. For her it is the second time, after the "debut" last year. "It is a celebration that unites the Sardinians", comments the president, happy to be able to attend the celebrations of the first of May. An important day not only for the tradition and the ritual that is repeated but also for the workers. Todde's thoughts went to them and to the many young people who are often forced to abandon the island to seek their fortune. Then the memory of Pope Francis is a request for the holy martyr: "May he bring peace to the peoples at war, prosperity and hope for the community of Sardinians that I represent".

11.50 am – Tocco falls ill in church

Former Alter Nos Edoardo Tocco felt unwell during mass in the small church of Stampace. The Forza Italia city councilor was rescued by the 118 ambulance team, which is part of the demonstration's health care service, and taken to the hospital.

11.50 am – The oxen await the saint

The pair of oxen that will carry the saint to Nora is waiting in the square of the little church of Sant'Efisio. This year they are called “Nontidacatasa” and “Chisescambiau”.

12:00 PM - The carriage of Sant'Efisio leaves the church of Stampace

The simulacrum begins its journey towards the place of martyrdom.

12.30 PM – The Saint in the colorful streets

Cagliari is colored with petals and faith on the occasion of the Infiorata - Sa ramadura - of Sant'Efisio, one of the most intense and evocative moments of the historic procession dedicated to the warrior martyr. The faithful sprinkle the street with a carpet of red, pink and yellow rose petals and mint leaves: a symbolic gesture of beauty and devotion. It is on this floral blanket that the golden chariot passes carrying the statue of the warrior martyr, welcomed by thousands of faithful in the streets of the center.

1.11pm – The carriage slowly descends Largo Carlo Felice

1.20 pm – The alter Nos arrives in front of the Town Hall

1.22 pm – The siren in the port

The carriage of Sant'Efisio arrives in front of Palazzo Bacaredda: in Cagliari the sirens of the ships in the port resound and the sound of the launeddas rises to the sky.

4.30 pm – Arrival at Maddalena Spiaggia

The carriage of Sant'Efisio arrives at Maddalena Spiaggia. A large crowd of faithful from Capoterra welcomes him in silence.

6pm – The procession towards Sarroch

From La Maddalena Spiaggia the procession now goes towards Sarroch, among prayers, songs and emotion.

The path to Nora

Having reached the peak with the passage in front of Palazzo Bacaredda, the Saint's carriage continues its journey towards Giorgino, to then continue the procession towards Nora, the place of the martyrdom. The return to the little church of Stampace is set for the night of May 4th.

(Online Union)