Oristano, the prefect: "The law is the law, Sartiglia with a helmet."

Safety first. No discounts or exceptions. And no centuries-old traditions or identity rituals can hold up.

The Abodi decree , which so heated up the atmosphere before the Sartiglia , is clear but is further specified by the prefect Salvatore Angier i.

"The equestrian joust falls fully within the Prime Ministerial Decree, we hope it will be respected ." The debate In the city, the idea of requiring the Componidori and knights to wear helmets seems almost sacrilegious. Angieri, after two Sartiglie, is now familiar with the environment, which is also why he had spoken about the decree well in advance. "From the first meeting of the Provincial Committee for Order and Security at the end of November, I communicated the changes in the Prime Ministerial Decree," he explains, "the mayor and the president of the Oristano Foundation were also present." Months have passed, but it's only been in the last few weeks that the debate has heated up, with the Guilds, knights, and the Foundation (which has nevertheless purchased 120 helmets and back protectors as a precaution) determined to protect the identity of the historic joust.

Article 3 of the Prime Ministerial Decree refers to local traditions and customs. "But always in compliance with the provisions of the decree," the prefect reiterates. No exceptions or distinctions between the star-shaped race and the pairs of horses are permitted. "We must ensure that everything runs smoothly," he adds. "We have always said that if the riders don't wear protective gear, we won't be the ones to stop the Sartiglia. Obviously, the responsibility lies with them, first and foremost with the organizer and then with the individual."

The scenarios – A very delicate issue, even though the Ardia di Sedilo was held according to tradition: no helmets at the sanctuary. "The mayor had assumed responsibility," explains the prefect, who last summer asked the Ministry for an opinion specifically for the San Costantino race. The Ministry of Health's legislative office clarified that "an event, already authorized for the last four years, can be held upon notification from the organizer."

What happens in the case of the Sartiglia? "The organizer should declare compliance with the rules and submit a request to the competent authority, which is the Municipality ," he explains. "And since it's an administrative act, it's ultimately the manager who authorizes the event based on the opinion of the Provincial Safety Commission." Angieri emphasizes that there will also be a call to comply with the decree. "We suggested finding helmets that would have less impact on the masks; a solution that reconciles tradition and safety must be sought right up until the last minute."

Finally, the appeal: "We shouldn't be divided on issues like this. It's also a matter of setting a good example for young people: the law, even if we don't like it, must be respected ," the prefect reiterates. "In this case, it's for the protection of riders, horses, and the public. Years ago, there weren't the safety measures we have today; spectators were right next to the horses, but the protection systems have been accepted, and we've grown significantly. This must be our goal. I trust in the sense of responsibility of the riders, the Guilds, and the Foundation."