Culture & traditions: Traditional Sant Efisio feast on 1st of May worth a visit

After the long and grey winter everyone is looking forward to the springtime with its first warm sun rays and green landscapes colored by blossoms and flowers everywhere. In Sardinia springtime is just around the corner, the first almond trees are in flower and the mimosa shows off their yellow blossoms.

The air temperature in Sardinia in March and April is around 20 centigrade and on sunny days often higher as well. Pleasant temperatures to explore the varied landscape of Sardinia which is not only rich in natural beautiful sites but also very interesting with regards to its culture, for example the prehistorical Nuraghic settlements spread all over the island.

However, springtime is not only balm for the soul but also rich in traditional feats. First of all Easter: nearly all villages and cities have their picturesque religious processions. A lot of special dishes with lamb, pasta, cheese and artfully shaped breads are prepared for that occasion.

Cagliari celebrates every year in May the Sant’Efisio feast

Another important Sardinian event is the Sagra di Sant Efisio which takes place every year from 1 – 4 May in Cagliari, the capital of the island situated on the south coast. The feast celebrates the legendary intervention of the Saint to rescue the citizens of Cagliari from the plague in 1652. The parade on the first of May is a very colorful procession where the participants show their traditional costumes and carriages decorated with flowers are drawn by oxen through the streets of Cagliari.

Springtime is the best period to have relaxing walks on the long and sandy beaches or through the Mediterranean vegetation. The temperatures are ideal for excursions with by bike or on foot, to explore the richness and the variety of the island: Sardinia is worth a visit not only during the summer!

Text and foto: SardiniaNatour