Italy between sacred and profane: 4 Easter traditions of Sardinia

In Sardinian language, its name is Sa Pasca Manna. More than a “simple” event, it is the time when the devotion of the Sardinian people reaches its peak among rites, processions and choral moments. And these 4 Easter traditions of Sardinia, in Italy, are the proof.

1. The Holy Week of Cagliari

It is one of the most important Easter event in Sardinia. The 3 confraternities (Arciconfraternita della Solitudine, Arciconfraternita del Santissimo Crocefisso and Arciconfraternita del Gonfalone) are involved in the rites that take place in the old town centre of Cagliari and in the churches of the city.

2. The procession of the mysteries of Castelsardo

It takes place in all the largest cities of Sardinia although, according to the different traditions, it may take place on different days. In Castelsardo, the Procession of the Mysteries is called Lunissanti (because it takes place on Holy Monday) and is a ritual that dates back to Eleventh century.

On Holy Monday, at 7am, all the brothers of the confraternity gather in Santa Maria, where they wear uniforms. Once bearers are chosen, the processions begins and follow this order: the first from Santa Maria to the Cathedral, the second from the Cathedral to the small town of Tergu, the third (and last) takes place in Castelsardo.

3. Iscravamentu

The name, in Sardinian language, refers to the Deposition of Christ: the statue of Jesus is removed from the cross and deposited on a stretcher; later, the statue is carried along the city, or exposed to the faithful. Depending on the town, Iscravamentu can take place on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

4. The sweets

The Easter traditions of Sardinia are a moment during which the sacred meets the profane. And, in this case, the profane is represented by the Easter sweets, such as pardulas, pabassinas and mustazzoli.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/vorticeassurdo