Nearly always the “archaeological excavations” (see our special about “Lucchio”) reserve pleasant surprises.

Therefore, after a patient work of scanning, I’d like to propose you some of mine ex slides relating to the sant’Efisio’s (Cagliari) procession; certainly the images are as well-made as the current digital photographs, but at least they have a certain “historical” appeal (the slides date back to 1976 or 1978, the memory fails.

On the 1st of May, in a blaze of colour and costumes, through the streets there is a parade of the traditional costumes coming from all around Sardinia.

A little of history:

he tradition sets the beginning in 1657, but the first written testimony dates back to 1787. As per other events, its origin is due to a thanksgiving to Sant’Efisio for having protected the town from the “black death” (the pestilence struck the island in middle XVII century, ravaging the town between April and June 1656).

The inhabitants of Cagliari thanked their Patron Sant’Efisio, who freed them from the terrible disease and accompanied the statue of the Saint in a procession to Nora, so fulfilling their vows.

The vow is renewed every year on the 1st ofMay and the Sardinians come in from all the towns and villages of the island to pay homage to SantEfisio, Protettori poderosu de Sardigna speziali.

See also: Saint Efisio 2014 (update may 2014)