On the ancient wooden mesitta, a family portrait worthy of a frame. Hearts beating fast, to the rhythm of drums and trumpets. This time, the two race leaders will be transformed into componidori by their loved ones. Girlfriends, daughters, and friends, ready to live a dream of needles, threads, and countless emotions alongside their special rider, after passing several top-secret tests in the homes of the presidents of the two Guilds. A tangle of strong bonds that promises tears: this is the 2026 dressing.

Daniele Mattu, chosen to lead the Sartiglia organized by the Farmers, will fulfill his dream on Sunday, February 15th, accompanied by two young women. One of them is Federica Atzeni, 41, his girlfriend, who has already won eight Sartiglias under her belt.

"Of course, this time it will be a different and special outfit, with a different rider than usual at my side," Federica says. "But I'll be thinking about the needles, I'll be fully focused because everything has to be perfect. I'll also try to calm Daniele, who will surely be more nervous than me at that moment."

The other girl who will be the head of the race is Angelica Pinna, 19, daughter of the Oberaiu de Cascia Michele Pinna: "This will be my fourth time on the mesitta, it's an honor to take on this role. Every rider has different needs: some don't want the knots on their mask too tight, for example. That day we have to be very attentive to their requests and not cause them any discomfort; it's a long day."

The two girls will be assisted by two other housewives who will pass them threads, needles, and clothes. And here too, it's a home field: one is Eleonora Mattu, daughter of the composer. The other is Ilaria Dessì, daughter of the prize winner Gianni Dessì.

The ritual will take place, as always, under the watchful eye of the housewife Manna. This year, the important task has been entrusted to dressmaking expert Manuela Carta, daughter of the president of the Gremio Torre Carta. But there's also excitement at the home of Carlo Pisanu, president of the Carpenters' Guild. In his living room, for months, the housewives have been rehearsing the ritual to transform the leader of the race, Graziano Pala, into the king of Oristano, at least for a day. Among them is his daughter, Alessandra, 21.

"I'm thrilled because it's my first time in this role. But above all because I'll be placing the top hat on my dad's head. I feel a huge responsibility; I want him to be dressed to perfection. He has to be beautiful."

The other housewife, needles and threads in hand, will be Alice Milia, 16, also a first-timer. Here too, there's no shortage of family ties: the housewife who leads the ritual is her mother, Francesca Mugheddu. "On that day, however, I won't have my mother before me," Alice explains, "but the housewife who guides me and reassures me. She also taught us how to deal with any setbacks. I hope I don't get too emotional; that's my only fear." They will pass the needles and threads to the two girls, the other daughter of the race leader, Roberta Pala, and Ilaria Vacca.

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