Sant'Efisio celebrates 370 years: today's edition of the festival honoring the warrior martyr who freed Cagliari from the plague. A procession of faith and color that has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries: starting from the church of Stampace, where the rite is passed down by the Archconfraternity of the Gonfalone, it arrives in Nora, the site of his martyrdom. It returns on May 4th, before midnight, so that the vow can be fulfilled.

This year, however, something has changed. It happened in 1943, when Cagliari was ravaged by bombings. Before that, it had happened after the end of the First World War. And, more recently, in 2020, when Covid had locked down all of Italy. In 2026, the plague is called lumpy skin disease: a bovine disease that has forced a ban on the use of oxen. Those that were supposed to pull the traccas (which will not be paraded but are on display) and, above all, the two that were supposed to be harnessed to the yoke of the royal chariot, the means of transporting the statue. The saint will travel on the shoulders of his brothers. Four guardians (and not two, as per tradition) will watch over his safety. There will also be a militia escort. Among the folk groups from all over Sardinia, 160 horses will be present. Those will be there, as will the colors of the traditional costumes and sa ramadura, which will not be lacking.

"We trust in the affection and respect of the devotees along the route, both for the newly restored statue and for the commitment of those who will physically support the religious sedan chair," said Mayor Massimo Zedda. This morning, he will hand over the city's representation to his alter nos, Giovanni Porrà.

Live on Videolina

It's been 50 years since Videolina began bringing the feast of Sant'Efisio to Sardinian homes. The tribute to the saint on the screens of the local broadcaster L'Unione Sarda is a tradition that began in 1976, when the camera was set up in front of Palazzo Bacaredda. The broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. The live broadcast, hosted by Simona De Francisci and Ambra Pintore, begins at 8:30 a.m. Numerous guests will be in the studio. Reporters Mariangela Lampis, Teresa Piredda, Stefano Birocchi, Alberto Masu, and Massimiliano Rais will be present at the festival's iconic locations. From the same time, the broadcast will also be live on the website Unionesarda.it.

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