Sa Sartiglia Festival 2027, Oristano, Italy

À quoi s’attendre en 2027

Sa Sartiglia Festival 2027 will bring the historic centre of Oristano to life with one of Sardinia’s most important equestrian traditions. The celebration combines horse racing, medieval and Spanish-influenced pageantry, religious ceremonies, traditional costumes, music, drumming, trumpeting and spectacular equestrian performances.

The centrepiece is the Corsa alla Stella, or Star Joust, in which selected riders gallop at high speed along the course and attempt to pierce a suspended star with a sword. The competition is led by Su Componidori, the symbolic head of the Sartiglia, who makes the opening attempt and determines which other riders receive the honour of competing for the star.

The second major spectacle is the Corsa delle Pariglie. Groups of three riders and three horses perform coordinated equestrian acrobatics at speed, creating one of the most visually striking parts of the festival. The performances take place along Via Mazzini after the Star Joust has concluded.

The celebration also includes La Vestizione, the elaborate dressing ceremony that transforms the selected rider into Su Componidori, followed by processions, religious elements, traditional music and the final Svestizione ceremony.

Visitors should expect very large crowds around the historic centre, particularly along Via Duomo and Via Mazzini. The official organisation provides controlled grandstands as well as public viewing areas, while security and access arrangements can change according to the event plan.

Dates des événements

February or March 2027 (Dates TBD)

Sa Sartiglia is traditionally connected with the Carnival period and takes place across two principal race days, corresponding to the Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival. The exact 2027 calendar dates depend on the Carnival calendar and should be confirmed by the official organisers when the programme is published.

The two race days are associated with different guilds and different Su Componidori figures. The Gremio dei Contadini and Gremio dei Falegnami have traditionally been responsible for the two principal race days.

Visitors planning a trip should consider staying for more than one day because the two Sartiglia celebrations provide separate opportunities to experience the ceremonies, Star Joust, Pariglie and different Componidori traditions.

The exact 2027 timetable, participating riders, Su Componidori appointments, grandstand arrangements and supplementary cultural programme should be checked through the official Sa Sartiglia website.

Vous visitez cet événement ? Ne manquez pas ces activités et expériences locales étonnantes pendant votre séjour.

Lieu et hippodrome

The main competition takes place in the historic centre of Oristano, with two principal race areas.

The Corsa alla Stella is staged along Via Duomo, close to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and important historic buildings in central Oristano. The course contains the suspended star that riders attempt to pierce while galloping at speed.

The Corsa delle Pariglie takes place along Via Mazzini. This section provides a longer setting for the three-rider equestrian formations and their acrobatic performances.

Parmi les autres lieux importants figurent :

• Gremio dei Contadini: Traditional guild location associated with one of the Su Componidori ceremonies.
• Gremio dei Falegnami: Traditional guild associated with the other principal race ceremony.
• Via Duomo: Main Star Joust course.
• Piazza Manno: Important procession and ceremonial area.
• Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea: Public programme and event activities.
• Via Mazzini: Main Pariglie course.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: Important religious and procession location.
• Centre historique : Main setting for processions, music and public celebrations.

Programme complet de l’événement

The 2027 programme is expected to follow the traditional sequence of ceremonies and equestrian competitions.

The principal programme includes:

• La Vestizione: Formal dressing of Su Componidori.
• Corteo : Procession of riders, guild members, trumpeters and drummers.
• Corsa alla Stella: High-speed Star Joust.
• Sa Remada: Traditional blessing performed by Su Componidori.
• Corsa delle Pariglie: Acrobatic three-rider formations.
• Svestizione: Removal of the ceremonial costume and mask.
• Guild ceremonies: Activities organised around the historic Gremi.
• Performances musicales : Traditional drumming and trumpet compositions.
• Historical costumes: Sardinian and Spanish-influenced clothing.
• Mini Sartiglia activities: Youth participation in the wider Sartiglia tradition.
• Cultural exhibitions: Displays explaining the history and development of the event.
• Public entertainment: Supplementary music, food and cultural activities.

The programme is structured around the transformation of the selected rider into Su Componidori and the subsequent return to ordinary life through the Svestizione.

Courses, compétitions et spectacles

The Corsa alla Stella is the principal competitive element. Riders approach the suspended star at full gallop and attempt to pierce it with a sword. The star is positioned along the central racecourse, making accuracy, timing and horsemanship essential.

Su Componidori makes the first attempt. The race leader then chooses which other riders will receive the honour of attempting to pierce the star.

Successful riders receive a small silver star as recognition. The special attempts involving the traditional wooden lance, or stocco, are reserved for Su Componidori, Su Segundu and Su Tertzu according to the established rules.

After the Star Joust, the event changes character completely with the Corsa delle Pariglie. Riders form groups of three and perform coordinated acrobatic movements while their horses move at speed.

The final major performance is associated with Sa Remada, in which Su Componidori rides while leaning backwards over the horse and uses Sa Pippia de Maju to bless the crowd. This is one of the defining ceremonial moments of the Sartiglia.

Chevaux, cavaliers et compétiteurs

The Sartiglia involves up to 120 participating riders organised into groups of three known as pariglie. The official organisation states that the riders are members of the Amateur Sports Association “Cavalieri Sa Sartiglia,” which coordinates a larger group of riders and selects the participants for the annual event.

The riders train throughout the year, with particular emphasis on horsemanship, individual preparation and coordination between members of each pariglia.

The principal figure is Su Componidori. Two riders traditionally receive this role, representing the two principal guilds associated with the separate Sartiglia race days.

Su Segundu and Su Tertzu accompany Su Componidori as the other members of the leading pariglia. Together, they perform important ceremonial and competitive functions.

The horses are also central to the spectacle. They are decorated with colourful harnesses, ribbons and traditional equipment, creating a highly visual procession through the city.

The organisation has established animal-welfare measures and safety protocols intended to protect the horses participating in the event. The official Sartiglia materials specifically identify animal welfare as an important organisational consideration.

Programme des courses/événements

The precise 2027 timetable has not yet been released. The established event sequence generally follows a clear progression from ceremony to procession, competition and final celebrations.

A typical race-day structure includes:

• Morning preparations: Su Componidori and the riders prepare for the ceremonial programme.
• La Vestizione: The selected rider is dressed in the traditional costume.
• Trumpets and drums: Traditional musicians announce the transition into the public phase.
• Corteo : The riders and guild representatives move toward the racecourse.
• Corsa alla Stella: Selected riders attempt to pierce the suspended star.
• Sa Remada: Su Componidori gives the traditional blessing.
• Transfer to Via Mazzini: The riders regroup and move toward the Pariglie course.
• Corsa delle Pariglie: Groups of three perform equestrian acrobatics.
• Final procession: The leading riders make a final appearance before the crowd.
• Svestizione: Su Componidori’s costume and mask are removed.

Previous official programmes have placed the Star Joust in the early afternoon and the Pariglie later in the afternoon, but visitors should rely on the final 2027 timetable rather than historical times.

Types de billets

The 2027 ticket prices have not yet been announced. The latest published ticket regulation provides useful previous-edition pricing references.

For the Corsa alla Stella, previous grandstand prices converted to USD included:

• Tribuna A: approximately $47.
• Tribuna A numbered: approximately $64.
• Tribuna B: approximately $47.
• Tribuna B numbered: approximately $59.
• Tribuna C: approximately $35.

For the Corsa delle Pariglie, previous prices included:

• Tribuna D: approximately $35.
• Tribuna D numbered: approximately $41.
• Tribuna E: approximately $35.
• Tribuna E numbered: approximately $41.
• Tribuna F: approximately $41.
• Tribuna F numbered: approximately $47.
• Tribuna I: approximately $41.
• Tribuna I numbered: approximately $47.
• Tribuna L: approximately $35.
• Tribuna L numbered: approximately $41.

These are previous-edition reference prices rather than confirmed 2027 rates. The official ticket office states that prices include applicable taxes. Children aged four and above have traditionally paid the full ticket, while children up to three years have been admitted without a ticket when held by an accompanying adult in the grandstand.

Options VIP et hôtellerie

The official ticket information primarily focuses on grandstand access rather than a separately advertised VIP hospitality programme. The numbered grandstands provide assigned seating and can offer a more structured viewing experience than general public areas.

For visitors seeking premium viewing, the most relevant previous-edition options were numbered grandstands along the principal race routes. The final 2027 seating plan and any hospitality packages should be confirmed once officially released.

The best viewing areas depend on whether visitors want to concentrate on the Star Joust or the Pariglie. The two competitions use different streets and grandstand locations.

Visitors should avoid unofficial hospitality offers unless they can be verified through the Foundation Oristano or official Sartiglia ticket channels.

Exposants et activités liées aux animaux

Sa Sartiglia is primarily an equestrian and cultural festival rather than a conventional trade fair, so visitors should not expect a large commercial exhibition hall.

However, the wider festival environment includes traditional crafts, cultural displays, food stalls and activities connected with Sardinian heritage.

The Documentation and Study Centre on Sartiglia provides an especially useful exhibition experience. Its collection explores the history, protagonists and different phases of the event through documents, historical objects and multimedia material.

The centre also presents material connected with the traditional rosette and other elements of Sartiglia culture.

Horses remain the most important animals associated with the festival. Their preparation, decoration, training and handling are integral to the event, while official materials describe safety and welfare measures designed to protect participating horses.

Règles de l’événement et code vestimentaire

Visitors attending the grandstands should follow the official access and safety regulations. Tickets are valid only for the specified event and grandstand, and the organisers advise spectators to take their seats well before the performance begins.

Previous regulations prohibited bottles, glass objects and potentially dangerous blunt or sharp objects, including knives, scissors and helmets. Registered guide dogs are permitted, while other animals are not allowed in the grandstand areas. Smoking is also prohibited.

Security restrictions can be strengthened during periods of high attendance. Visitors should follow instructions from event personnel and security staff.

There is no requirement for ordinary spectators to wear traditional Sardinian clothing. Visitors should choose practical clothing suitable for standing, walking and spending several hours outdoors.

The historic centre can become crowded, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Visitors attending a formal seating area should also avoid clothing or belongings that could obstruct other spectators.

Comment y arriver

Oristano is located on the western side of Sardinia and can be reached from Cagliari, Alghero and other parts of the island by road and public transport.

Cagliari is the closest major airport for many visitors arriving internationally, while Alghero Airport provides another option depending on the wider Sardinian itinerary.

By car, Oristano is connected to Sardinia’s principal road network. Driving can be convenient for visitors who plan to explore the island before or after the festival.

During Sartiglia, however, central streets are affected by closures, restricted traffic and large pedestrian crowds. Visitors should avoid attempting to drive directly to Via Duomo or Via Mazzini.

The historic centre is compact, and walking is generally the most practical way to move between the race areas, processions, churches and cultural venues.

Transports en commun et stationnement

Oristano railway station provides rail connections to other Sardinian cities, including Cagliari and Sassari. From the station, visitors can continue toward the historic centre using local transport or by walking.

Local buses can be useful outside the busiest periods, but temporary traffic arrangements may affect routes during the Sartiglia programme.

Visitors arriving by car should use designated parking areas outside the most restricted central streets. Parking close to the racecourse can become difficult because of the crowds and temporary road closures.

The safest approach is to arrive early, park outside the central pedestrian restrictions and continue on foot.

Visitors should check the final municipal traffic plan because temporary road closures, parking restrictions and pedestrian access arrangements can change for each edition.

Zones d’hébergement

The historic centre is the most convenient accommodation area for visitors who want to experience the Sartiglia without depending heavily on transport.

Hotels, guesthouses, apartments and bed-and-breakfast properties are available around the centre and provide easy access to Via Duomo, Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea and Via Mazzini.

The area around the railway station can be useful for travellers arriving by train or planning onward travel.

Visitors with a rental car may prefer accommodation outside the most restricted central area, particularly if parking is an important consideration.

Because Sa Sartiglia attracts visitors from across Sardinia and international travellers, accommodation in central Oristano can become limited around the festival period. Booking accommodation well in advance is advisable.

Nourriture et boissons

Sa Sartiglia is an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Sardinian cuisine alongside the equestrian celebrations.

Visitors can find restaurants, cafés, bars and temporary food stands around Oristano’s historic centre.

Local Sardinian dishes may include handmade pasta, malloreddus, fregula, roast meats, pecorino cheese, cured meats, traditional breads and seasonal vegetables.

The Oristano area is also associated with Vernaccia di Oristano, a distinctive Sardinian wine that can be found in local restaurants and wine establishments.

Festival visitors can combine a day of racing with a traditional Sardinian meal in the historic centre. Restaurants can become extremely busy during the celebration, so advance reservations are useful for visitors planning a sit-down meal.

Accessibilité

Accessibility arrangements can vary according to the temporary grandstands, pedestrian controls and racecourse layout used for the specific edition.

The historic centre of Oristano contains traditional streets and surfaces that may present challenges for visitors with reduced mobility, particularly during large crowds.

Visitors requiring accessible seating should contact the official ticket office before purchasing so that the available arrangements can be confirmed.

The Foundation Oristano manages the sale of grandstand tickets and provides official visitor information through its offices in Via Eleonora. The official ticket office can also provide information about access arrangements.

Visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids should allow additional time to reach their viewing area because temporary barriers and crowd-control measures can affect normal pedestrian routes.

Meilleures courses et événements auxquels assister

The Corsa alla Stella is the essential event for visitors who want to see the traditional competitive heart of Sa Sartiglia. The high-speed attempts to pierce the suspended star combine horsemanship, precision and ceremony.

The entrance of Su Componidori is particularly significant because the race leader controls the beginning of the Star Joust and selects the riders who receive the honour of attempting the star.

Sa Remada is another defining moment. Su Componidori rides at speed while leaning backwards over the horse and uses Sa Pippia de Maju to bless the crowd.

The Corsa delle Pariglie is ideal for visitors interested in equestrian spectacle. Groups of three riders perform coordinated movements and acrobatics while the horses run at speed along Via Mazzini.

The Vestizione should also be considered essential because it explains the ceremonial transformation of the selected rider into Su Componidori.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

The previous edition maintained the traditional format centred on the two principal race days, with approximately 120 riders participating across the festival. The official organisation described the riders as members of the Cavalieri Sa Sartiglia association, with participants selected following an established preparation and selection process.

The programme included the Vestizione, the historical procession, Corsa alla Stella, Sa Remada, Corsa delle Pariglie and Svestizione.

Grandstands were provided along the race routes, with both numbered and non-numbered options. The published ticket regulation offered several categories for the Star Joust and Pariglie.

The festival also included cultural activities outside the main race, while the Documentation and Study Centre continued to provide visitors with an educational introduction to the history, rituals and protagonists of Sa Sartiglia.

The previous programme demonstrated the importance of the traditional guilds, riders, horses, drummers and trumpeters in maintaining the structure of the celebration.

Billets officiels

Official Sartiglia tickets are managed through the Foundation Oristano and the official Sa Sartiglia ticket system.

The principal ticketed experience is access to the grandstands overlooking the Corsa alla Stella and Corsa delle Pariglie. The official ticket page confirms that the Star Joust grandstands are positioned along Via Duomo, providing views of the riders attempting to pierce the suspended star.

The Foundation Oristano ticket office is located at Via Eleonora 15 in Oristano and provides ticket and visitor information.

Contact details for the official organisation include:

• Téléphone : +39 0783 030333
• Additional telephone: +39 0783 303159
• Courriel : info@sartiglia.info

The 2027 ticket prices and seating plan should be confirmed when officially released. Previous-edition prices listed above are provided only as a reference and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 prices.

Visitors should purchase through the official Sartiglia ticket channels rather than relying on unofficial resale platforms. Official ticket information also warns that tickets are linked to the specified event and grandstand and are subject to the published access regulations.

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