Feast of Saint Antiochus Martyr

The feast of Saint Antiochus is the oldest religious event in Sardinia. Devotion to the saint is so deep that he is celebrated on three occasions throughout the year. Fifteen days after Easter, the so-called "Sa Festa Manna" is celebrated, followed by the Feast of St. Antiochus, which takes place on August 1-the year the Basilica was dedicated to St. Antiochus Martyr-and then on November 13, when a procession is held to mark the anniversary of the saint's death. St. Antiochus is the protector and patron saint of Sardinia, and during "Sa Festa Manna"-which lasts three days and is the main festival-dozens of folklore groups arrive from all parts of the island, parading in the wake of the simulacrum of the saint. On Saturday, village women prepare "coccòis de su Santu," a type of white, leavened bun that is decorated with floral motifs and small birds. These buns are taken to the Basilica to decorate the simulacrum and relics. The main moment of "Sa Festa Manna" takes place on Monday when a solemn procession is held with floats, horsemen and folkloric groups in traditional Sardinian dress. The procession passes through the streets of the town, which are covered with flower petals as the relic passes. The second occasion when the saint is celebrated is August 1 amid performances of typical music and dances, art exhibitions, tastings of typical dishes, horse races and fireworks displays in honor of the saint.