Candelieri of Sassari: 9 things not to miss!

The Discesa dei Candelieri, in Sassarese dialect Faradda di li Candareri, is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the Sardinian summer. Every August 14, on the eve of the Assumption, Sassari turns into a stage of faith, history and tradition: imposing wooden candles, carried on the shoulders by members of the Gremi (ancient trade guilds), parade through the historic centre in a dancing procession towards the Church of Santa Maria di Betlem.

This ritual dates back to the 13th century as a vow to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from the plague and, since 2013, has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, part of the “Network of Great Shoulder-Borne Processional Machines.”

Origins of the Discesa dei Candelieri

• The Gremi: each candlestick belongs to a guild (butchers, masons, gardeners, carpenters, tailors…), decorated with symbolic elements linked to the guild’s history.
• The Dance: the bearers, following the rhythm of the drums and folk music, sway the candlestick in movements that blend festive steps with deep devotion.

Programme – Festa dei Candelieri in Sassari

Events

• 25 July – 8:00 PM: Le Vie dei Gremi – tour of the historic guild headquarters with tastings and folk music.
• 5 August – 9:30 AM / 6:00 PM: Procession of the Little Candlesticks – children carry miniature candlesticks, starting from Piazza Santa Caterina.
• 6 August – 8:00 PM: Le Vie dei Gremi (second stage).
• 7 August – 6:00 PM: Opening of the photo exhibition “130 Brave Men” at Palazzo Ducale.
• 9 August – 6:00 PM: Procession of the Medium Candlesticks starting from Largo Cavallotti.
• 11 August – 8:30 PM: Concert for the Candlesticks in Piazza Santa Caterina.
• 12 August – 7:30 PM: Award Ceremony for the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Special Gold Candlesticks.

Day of the Descent – 14 August

• 10:00 AM – Dressing of the Candlesticks in the guild headquarters.
• 6:00 PM – Start of the Faradda from Piazza Castello, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, arriving at the Church of Santa Maria di Betlem by midnight.

15 August

• 6:30 PM – Pontifical Mass for the Feast of the Assumption, procession from the Cathedral of San Nicola.

Discesa dei Candelieri: 9 things you must not miss

1. The dressing of the Candlesticks: in the morning, at the Gremi headquarters or in the homes of the “obrieri”, the candles are decorated and adorned. It is open to the public — a great way to experience the festival without the evening crowds.
2. The “dance” of the Candlesticks: the most spectacular moment, when the large candles are swayed and rotated by the bearers to the rhythm of the drums.
3. The departure from Piazza Castello: the point where the Faradda officially comes to life, with the Gremi and Candlesticks lined up (time: 6:00 PM).
4. The Gremi: observe the different groups and their costumes, colours and symbols. They are the heart of the tradition.
5. The passage along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II: here you can see the movement of the Candlesticks up close as they cross the historic centre.
6. The rhythm of the drums: it is not mere musical accompaniment. The sound marks the step and contributes to the characteristic “dance”.
7. The arrival at Santa Maria di Betlem: the final moment of the descent, when the Candlesticks reach the church after crossing the centre and the vow to the Madonna is fulfilled.
8. The crowd and the atmosphere of the historic centre: for a few hours Sassari is completely transformed, with packed streets, balconies overlooking the route and huge popular participation.
9. 📸 Worth photographing: the Candlesticks during the “dance”, especially in the narrower stretches of the centre, where their height and movement create spectacular images.

Other nice things not to miss

• The “a zent’anni” toast: morning ritual at Palazzo di Città between the mayor and the “obriere” of the Massai (the last guild to parade), before everyone moves towards the church.
• The order of descent of the Gremi: Braccianti, Autoferrotranvieri, Macellai, Fabbri, Piccapietre, Viandanti, Contadini, Falegnami, Ortolani, Calzolai, Muratori, Sarti and Massai – useful to know so you can recognise who is passing by.
• The Descent of the Little Candlesticks: a few days earlier, about 300 children parade from Piazza Sant’Antonio to Santa Maria di Betlem — a lovely “miniature” alternative, less crowded.
• “Le vie dei Gremi”: itinerary in the days leading up to the event among the historic Gremi headquarters, with tastings of typical Sassari dishes.
• Panoramic spots: the narrower stretches of the Corso and the arrival in front of Santa Maria di Betlem are the best places to see the “dance” up close (arrive early, as they fill up quickly).

Curiosities about the Candlesticks

• Weight: a large candlestick can weigh between 300 and 400 kg, carried on the shoulders by around 8–12 men.
• Structure: they are made of wood, often decorated with fabrics, flowers and symbolic motifs representing the guild.
• Height: they can reach 4–5 metres.
• No wheels: despite their size, they are carried entirely on foot and the “dance” is performed by skilfully swaying the structure without losing balance.
• Preparation: the dressing of the candlestick is an event in itself, with guild members gathering in the morning to add the decorations and perform the traditional blessings.

Fact Sheet + Activities in the area

Activities

Practical tips for experiencing the Discesa dei Candelieri

• Arrive early, especially at Piazza Castello or near the church, to get the best view.
• Protect yourself from the sun: sunscreen, hat and water are essential.
• If possible, take part in the events of the previous days to soak up the festive spirit.
• Book accommodation and restaurants in advance: August is high season and Sassari becomes extremely crowded on the 14th.

Book your accommodation in Sassari early

The Discesa dei Candelieri is much more than a procession: it is a deep bond between a city and its history, a celebration that unites devotion, culture and community.

In the heart of Northern Sardinia, Sassari awaits you on 14 August for an experience that will take you into the soul of Sardinia.

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