The island hosts a feast of festivals and events throughout the year from colourful carnivals to religious processions; these are your chance to experience a piece of true Sardinia.
Many of the festivities are traditions that have been ongoing for centuries and reveal a lot about the Sardinians themselves and their history. The magnificent costumes and jewellery that the women wear highlight the handicrafts of the island. Festivals in Sardinia often have a religious theme but there are a plethora of others that celebrate annual events including the fish festival in July where you can sample fried fish or the International Jazz festival in August one of the most important festivals in Sardinia. We have compiled a list of the main festivals and events so if you are lucky enough to be in Sardinia when one is on, you have no excuse not to miss it!
Religious Events:
April
Easter - Various Locations
Costumes, processions and intense drama are the main ingredients of Sardinia’s various festa commemorating Easter.
Our Lady of Valverde - Alghero
A Sardinian festival on the first Sunday after Easter. Devotees from all over the region flock to Alghero to take part in various traditional rituals, the most important of which is a pilgrimage to the magnificent 16th century sanctuary dedicated to the saint.
June
San Giovanni Battista Celebrations - Alghero
A day of religious and traditional celebrations to mark San Giovanni Battista including music shows, horse races, bonfires and even a midnight swim.
August
Beata Vergine Assunta - Alghero
Musical exhibitions and religious rituals
Fair of Candelieri - Sassari
Celebration of the Assumption – The Sassarese people renew a vow made in the 16th century to the Assumption to free the town from a plague. An event of profound religious meaning, the fair has a playful and spectacular atmosphere.
October
S Francesco - Alghero
Torch light procession around the town centre
Cultural Events:
February
Carnival - Various locations
Extremely popular. Masked and costumed figures parade around small villages and bigger towns of the island.
Sa Sartiglia - Oristano
Costumed hijinks and equestrian showmanship recall the medieval roots of this lively festival
April – June
Festival Alguer and its journeys - Alghero
The spring edition of the successful Festival Alguer consists of a serious of concerts, literary meetings, exhibitions and other cultural events.
May
Sant’ Efisio - Cagliari
A grand procession commemorating the end of the plague in 1656. It’s a magical celebration of faith and folklore, the sacred and the profane.
Cavalcata Sarda - Sassari
A colourful celebration of Sardinian culture with people from all over the island coming together. The town comes alive with colourful decorations, costumes, horse shows, poetry competitions, chants and traditional dances.
June
Sagra delle Ciliegie - Burcei
Festival celebrating the cherry harvest in the mountain village
Jun – Sep
Festival Alguer - Alghero
A summer-long festival of culture including jazz, musicals, theatre and much more which is held at two of Alghero’s historical venues: the Anfiteatro Maria Pia and the Forte della Maddalena.
July
Sagra delle Pesche - San Sperate
Peach festival held on the feast of the town’s patron saint
Fish Festival - Santa Teresa di Gallura
Festival inviting visitors to sample fried fish and delightful Vermentino wine
July – August
Summer Music in Alghero - Alghero
Classical music concerts in the Chiostro di San Francesco
August
International Folklore Festival - Tempio Pausania
Held during Tempio’s summer carnival and featuring various ethnic groups from all over the world
Time in Jazz - Berchidda
International Jazz festival – one of the most important in Sardinia
Tourists’ Fair - Alghero
Music, dances and gastronomy
Regata Vela Latina - Stintino (End of August)
Festival celebrating traditional Sardinian fishing boats
Sporting Events:
May
Estiva Cup - Porto Rotondo
International sailing regatta
June
Baltic Cup - Porto Cervo
Sailing show organised by the Yachting Club of Costa Smerelda
July
S’Ardia Horse Race - Sédilo
One of the most exciting annual events on the island, in which bareback riders race recklessly around the church of Sant’Antine among a lively audience participation. It’s a thrilling spectacle, full of hot tempers, commotion and displays of virility.
August
Alghero’s Cup - Alghero
International women’s tennis competition
Smeralda 888 European Cup - Porto Cervo
Prime sailing exhibition
September
Arzachena Gulf Cup - Arzachena
Sailing regatta
Costa Smeralda Rally - Costa Smeralda (End of September)
A prime sporting event along the stunning coastline
October
Alghero Challenge Cup - Alghero
A prime sporting event along the stunning coastline
