Saint Efisio travels on his shoulders: the strength of faith and tradition for the 370th edition.

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.

THE NEWS OF THE DAY

7am – Folk groups began gathering in the Salesian square before 7am.

8:00 a.m. – A tragedy has occurred on Via Santa Margherita: Elena Siddi, 55, from Sarroch, was struck by a fatal illness while driving her husband's car toward a group meeting.

8:30 am – The start of the Alter Nos walk

After 45 days of preparation, the Alter Nos is ready for the big day. Giovanni Porrà has arrived on Via San Paolo, where he will soon depart for the City Hall on Via Roma. It's been a long and demanding few weeks for him: training with Army personnel, the daily work of building a trusting relationship with Iebe, the mare who, for the second consecutive year, will accompany the Alter Nos figure along the route. A bond of understanding is essential for facing a busy day.

Porrà doesn't hide his emotion, but he immediately chooses to send a clear message: his support for the farmers affected by bovine dermatitis, which this year forced a halt to oxen. This is a significant change for the ritual, which presents itself in a different guise than in the past. ( Veronica Fadda )

9am – The blessing

The groups gathered at the Salesians received a blessing from the Archbishop of Cagliari, Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi.

9:30 am – The character: Marco Viola, militiaman of Sant'Efisio

For a good forty-eight years, he has tirelessly followed the feast of Saint Efisio. And his devotion, love, and passion for the Saint have never changed.

He is Marco Viola, leader of the platoon of the Saint's militia. At his side is Orchidea, a twelve-year-old mare who accompanies and escorts him throughout the festival. For Viola, every edition is special, and the work never stops: there's not a moment of the year when his thoughts don't turn to Sant'Efisio.

Behind him, during the march towards the Town Hall, the other militiamen on horseback: fourteen in all. Armed with swords and arquebuses, they keep watch along the Saint's path. ( Veronica Fadda )

9.30 am – Presentation of the Golden Fleece and "interlude" for the band

Right on time, Mayor Massimo Zedda presented the Italian flag to Alter Nos Giovanni Porrà at Palazzo Bacaredda. A brief exchange took place during the "dressing" of the sash, the direction of which was only found after several attempts. Everyone smiled. ( Veronica Fadda )