S’ Ardia horse race is one of the most captivating events in Sardinia.
In Sedilo, a small town in the province of Oristano, this spectacular horse race takes place every year in the Sanctuary of San Costantino. It is a festival that is attended annually by around 100 riders exclusively from the town of Sedilo (the only ones allowed to participate as riders).
The event takes place on the evening of July 6th and is repeated again in the morning of July 7th.
THE MEANING OF S’ ARDIA HORSE RACE
In the central square of Sedilo, the pastor officially names the three knights as representatives of the Christianity. The horseback riders will receive the so called “pandelas” which consist of three flags (the yellow, the most important, the red and the white).
The head-runner and the two horseriders will thus have the task of defending the “pandelas” from the other riders who represent paganity.
The reckless race will start – according to the ritual – almost suddenly after reaching the Sanctuary of Santu Antine (San Costantino church) from the first pandela. It will be followed by the second, third and three stocks.
What does it represent? The three Pandelas represent Saint Constantine and his army composed of nearly 100 horsemen.
S’ ARDIA HORSE RACE – THE EVENT PROGRAM 2023
6th JULY
06h00 and every hour: the holy mass in the Sanctuary
07h30 e 09.30: Holy mass in the church
11h00: Holy Mass in the Sanctuary presided over by the Bishop of Faenza-Modigliana Mons. Mario Toso
16h00, 17h00 e 18h00: the holy mass in the Sanctuary
18h00: in Piazza S.Giovanni delivering of Sas Pandelas
18h30: At the Sanctuary of San Costantino: beginning of Ardia horse race accompanied by Sedilo riflemen and the Ales musical band.
22h30: Concert of Sardinian band “Cuncordias”
7th JULY
06h00 – 07h00: Holy Mass in the Sanctuary
06h30 – 11h30: Holy mass in the church
07h30: In Piazza S. Giovanni delivering of Sas Pandelas
08h00: At the Sanctuary of San Costantino begins the Ardia horse race accompanied by Sedilo rifles and Monastir music band.
18h30: Solemn Vespers and procession of St. Constantine, with the presence of the Monastir folk music.
22h30: Concert of rapper AKA 7even.
The Province of Oristano
Where to stay in Oristano Find Deals
Place to see
Tharros ruins| Lake Omodeo | Beach of Torre Grande | The ghost village of San Salvatore | Waterfalls of Sos Molinos | S’Archittu – the sea arch.
How to get to Oristano
By train from Cagliari, Olbia and Sassari there are direct trains to Oristano.
>> How to get by train in Sardinia
By bus direct bus from Alghero, Olbia, Sassari, Nuoro and Cagliari
>> Bus connections from north to south
By car: from the main road in Sardinia – the SS 131 Carlo Felice – connecting Oristano to the main cities of the island.
EXPLORE THE ORISTANO AREA WITH THIS TOUR
