The Carnival of Mamoiada

Since the 1950s, a particularly engaging Carnival has been held in Mamoiada, the symbols of which are the masks of the "Mamuthones" and "Issohadores." During the festivities, the entire population is enveloped in a magnificent atmosphere of celebration and conviviality. Carnival in Mamoiada actually begins on January 17 - on the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot - and lasts for several weeks until Mardi Gras. The masks recall a very ancient and ancestral ritual linked to propitiatory rituals for abundant harvests. The attire of the "Mamuthone" consists of a dark velvet suit, a sheepskin tunic typical of Sardinian shepherds - the "sas peddes" - leather shoes, a Sardinian cap and a black anthropomorphic mask - "sa visera." Clusters of cowbells of various sizes - "sa carriga" - that are also worn on the sternum and stomach complete the clothing. The clothing of the "Issohadore" is called, on the other hand, "veste 'e turco" that is, the dress of the Turk; it consists of a black Sardinian "berritta" on the head that is tied to the chin with a colored handkerchief, wide pants and a cloth shirt both white, a red bodice and a leather shoulder strap with small rattles. The costume is then completed by a magnificent dark embroidered shawl tied at the waist. The celebration envelops the central square amid dancing, typical sweets and cannonau wine, until the traditional masks arrive. At that moment everything stops and the only movement is that of the traditional round dance of the Mamuthones and Issohadores and the only sounds heard are those of the cowbells on their backs.