Ardia di Sedilo in San Costantino

Among the many festivals, both religious and secular, that take place every year in Sardinia, we would like to highlight the Ardia di Sedilo on July 6 and 7—a famous and spectacular festival featuring hundreds of men on horseback who take part in a wild horse race in honor of Saint Constantine. The race is intended to commemorate the victory of the emperor and Christian martyr in the battle against Maxentius. The main protagonists of the Ardia are, therefore, horses and riders. Sa Prima Pandela is the race director, who is appointed by the parish priest on January 17—St. Anthony's Day. Her name will remain a secret until May 15, the day of the three Pandelas' first official release. At the finish line, the yellow flag known as “Sa Pandela Madzore” is presented. Sa Secunda and Sa Terza Pandela are chosen by the race leader based on various criteria, generally family ties or friendships, but above all based on their skills as riders. These Pandelas are presented with blue and white flags. Sas Iscortas — the escorts — who represent Constantine and his army and whose task is to prevent the other knights from passing the starting line. The Knights represent the pagans led by Maxentius The Ardia procession begins in front of the church where the Pandelas are handed out. From here, the procession of knights—accompanied by the parish priest and the mayor—sets off toward “Su Fronte Mannu”, that is, the intersection with the road leading to the Shrine, where the race will begin. After that, the procession continues toward “Lu Frontigheddu”, a very steep descent where the riders will race at full speed to reach the sanctuary. That's when the tension starts to rise. The Pandelas must try to hold back the other riders who are trying to get ahead. The crowd eagerly awaits the moment when, after biding her time, Prima Pandela kicks off the spectacular race amid the applause and cheers of the crowd. One of the most dangerous sections of the route is located at the end of the descent: a sharp curve, at the end of which you must cross—still at high speed—the Arch of St. Constantine, a very narrow and extremely dangerous passage. Once they reach the shrine, the knights ride at a walk, circling it 5 or 7 times. When the Prima Pandela gives the signal, the race begins again, starting from the church and heading toward “Sa Muredda”, a small roundabout with a cross in the center, where runners complete several laps clockwise and the same number counterclockwise before returning to the church, thus concluding the Ardia. Two Sundays after the Ardia horse race, the Ardia on Foot will take place in an equally exciting and festive atmosphere, with children, women, and seniors participating.