- Cagliari Travel Guide
- Hotel Search
- Flight Search
- Map
- Climate
- Sights
- Eating Out
- Eating Out
- Practical Information
- Webcams & 360 degree pics
- Getting Around
- Getting There
- Hotels
- Travel Guide
- Things to Do
- Shopping
- Nightlife and Entertainment
- Internet Cafes
- Bars and Cafes
- Festivals
- When to Go
- Cruises
- Top 5 Must Do's
Festivals in Cagliari
Edit ThisCagliari Festivals provide a glimpse into the culture and religious beliefs of Sardinia, one of Italy's most historically-significant provinces. Some of the most important Cagliari Festivals are discussed below:
Feast of St. Anthony Abbot (January)
This is essentially a regional festival that is celebrated in Cagliari and some other towns of Sardinia. The festivities involve lighting a bonfire at night. Most of the bonfires are lit around the beaches. People bring old, wasted things from their homes to burn in these bonfires. This is supposed to be symbolic of breaking away from negative influences or detaching oneself from the past. After the bonfire ceremony, local feasts are arranged. The entire festival is looked upon as a purification process by the elders. Visitors can look forward to getting invited to taste the local wines.
Carnival of Cagliari (February)
This is also a regional event, limited to the residents of Cagliari. The idea is to celebrate the varied historic and cultural influences that Cagliari represents. People participate in lavish parades and the festivities end with a massive feast arranged by the local community leaders. Many people burn a puppet called Canciofali on this day, which is believed to get rid of negative energies.
Festival of St. Efisio (May)
This is the most popular festival of Cagliari. It is popular across Europe for its vibrant celebrations. The festival celebrates the local saint, St. Efisio. Colorful processions crowd the streets that carry small statues or effigies of the saint. People dress up in traditional Sardinia costumes influenced by 17th-century designs. The processions encourage the participation of foreign tourists, particularly students, from neighboring European nations.
