Turquoise waters and small, picturesque bays with fine sandy beaches. Plus culinary delights, from pasta to fresh seafood - just typically Italian. With its natural treasures, Sardinia is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
However, Sardegna offers more than just beaches and the sea and looks back on centuries-old traditions and customs that are still proudly celebrated by the islanders today.
Cavalcata Sarda
Magnificent traditional costumes, designed in detail and with different shades of color. Rhythmic music that invites you to dance. Culinary specialties whose aroma wafts through the alleyways of Sassari. A city celebrates.
Sardinia was under Spanish rule until 1718. The Sardinian cavalcade thus took place for the first time in 1711 in honor of the then Spanish King Philip V and developed over time into a popular festival at which personalities were repeatedly honored.
Today, groups from all over Sardinia take part in the festive parade and proudly wear the traditional clothing from their place of origin during a procession through the streets of Sassari, which is attended by numerous spectators in an exuberant atmosphere.
In the afternoon, the focus is on the riders, who show off their skills in a tournament, before the day comes to an end in the evening with traditional music and dancing.
For me as a photographer, the Cavalcata Sarda is a real feast for the senses. The encounters with the people are warm and open. I can sense their pride at being able to take part in this event and when I ask if I can take a photo of them, they respond with a beaming smile.
San Simplicio
No less festive, but with a religious background, Olbia celebrates the patron saint San Simplicio, who is considered the oldest surviving bishop on the island and one of five martyrs of Sardinia.
A solemn mass is held in the square in front of the chapel of the same name in the center of Olbia, accompanied by a choir and led by the Roman Catholic Bishop Roberto Fornaciari, among others.
Towards the evening, as with the Cavalcata Sarda, various groups from Sardinia arrive to accompany the procession around the bishop and the patron saint in their magnificent traditional costumes and parade through the streets of Olbia.
As a photographer, I observe what is happening around me. It is fascinating to witness a religious procession in the modern, fast-paced and sometimes superficial world and to see how deeply some people are immersed in this and their spirituality.
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