Villasalto, 120 years since the popular uprising against the high cost of living: a ceremony to remember
The protest of workers, farmers and shepherds was bloodily repressed by the police: there were 5 deaths and numerous injuries.
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120 years ago, on May 28, 1906, the popular uprising in Villasalto was the most serious episode in the history of the Sardinian uprisings of that year. The protest by workers, farmers, and shepherds over their dire living conditions was bloodily repressed by law enforcement. The toll was tragic: five dead and numerous injured. The victims were Giovanni Cinus, 55, and Giovanni Simbula, 24, both from Villasalto, who died on the evening of May 27; Efisio Cera, 46, originally from Segariu; Raffaele Melis, 33, and Raffaele Lussu, 20, both from Villasalto, who died the following day. The parish register of death certificates next to their names reads: "occisus a militibus" (killed by soldiers). Popular uprisings against the high cost of living swept across Sardinia in 1906.
The first riots broke out in Cagliari, starting at the tobacco factory, where female cigar makers voiced their discontent. The winds of revolt reached the Campidano countryside, the mining areas of Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sarrabus-Gerrei, Nuoro, Logudoro, and Gallura. In Villasalto, 120 years later, a remembrance ceremony was held in the presence of Mayor Leonardo Usai. Elementary school children, accompanied by their teachers, attended to keep alive the memory of that painful event.
