A GUIDE TO THE TOP SARDINIA EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER: SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE THREE
September is the perfect time to visit Sardinia if you want an authentic and tranquil experience. The traditional festivals, food and wine events, and cultural celebrations across the island provide the chance to immerse yourself in local culture and savor typical specialties. With fewer crowds compared to the summer, you can enjoy the island’s beauty in a more relaxed atmosphere. From the north to the south, you can explore charming towns and discover remote and authentic places off the beaten tourist paths. Below, we present three unique events not to be missed if you find yourself in Sardinia in September.
Get Ready for September in Sardinia: Highlighting 3 Upcoming Events
1. THE BAREFOOT RACE OF SAN SALVATORE
🗓️ 2- 3- 4 September 2023 📍San Salvatore di Sinis
HISTORY OF THE EVENT
In September, in the picturesque village of San Salvatore di Sinis, the Barefoot Race (La corsa degli scalzi) comes to life, an ancient religious ritual that celebrates Saint Salvatore with faith and tradition. This event recalls a historical episode from 1619 when the inhabitants of Cabras, faced with a Saracen invasion, engaged in a daring tactic: they ran barefoot with branches of fronds tied to their feet to raise a cloud of dust, thus confusing the enemy.
WHEN IT TAKES PLACE
The event takes place every first Saturday and Sunday of September, involving groups of men and boys who train for a 7-kilometer race. This extraordinary procession, where hundreds of devotees from Cabras carry the effigy of Saint Salvatore, winds its way through dirt paths. The statue of the Saint is carried on the shoulders of barefoot runners, dressed in traditional white tunics.
The procession reaches its climax at the Church of San Salvatore, accompanied by chants in honor of the saint. The day culminates in a celebration where participants, including the faithful and tourists, come together for musical and fireworks performances and to savor exquisite local products. In the evening, there’s a grand popular festivity with music, flavors, and aromas of mullet and roasted suckling pig.
The race Corsa degli Scalzi essentially takes place over two days:
- Saturday September 2nd, at 7:30 am: starting from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cabras, the “curridoris” (runners) will depart to accompany the effigy of the Saint to the countryside sanctuary of San Salvatore.
- Sunday 3 September at 6.30 pm: the route is reversed: from San Salvatore to the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cabras.
On Monday, it’s the women of Cabras who lead the procession in honor of Santu Srabadoreddu. This captivating and engaging event weaves together faith, tradition, and history, bringing the community and visitors together in a single vibrant celebration.
STAY IN THE SINIS REGION: AN UNSPOILT AREA OF SARDINIA.
🔝 Suggested choice 🔝
2. SA COJA ANTIGA CEREXINA – ANCIENT SELARGINO WEDDING
If you want to experience one of the oldest events in Sardinia, this is certainly one of the most exciting. The ritual of the ancient Selargino marriage reenacts the customs of an entire people when the marriage between two young individuals was not just a celebration for the family, but for the whole community.
Even today, the tradition lives on with a lengthy and carefully prepared ritual that encompasses numerous small details. The bride and groom walk linked by chains through the village streets, followed by the entire population dressed in traditional Sardinian attire. Sweets are distributed, songs are sung, folk dances are performed, and the celebration ensues, cementing a union that time itself cannot dissolve.
PROGRAMME OF THE ANCIENT SELARGINO WEDDING 2023
🗓️ 6-10 September 📍 Selergius
6 September
🕔 18:00 | Inauguration of the exhibition of Selargini artisanal products, Si ‘e Boi Square Buildings. The exhibitions will remain open until September 10th, with the following hours: from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Tasting of local and Sardinian products.
🕔 21:00 | DIALECT COMEDY PIAZZA MARIA VERGINE ASSUNTA.
7 September
🕔 21:00 | Sardinian Dialect Poetry Competition with improv artists at M.V. Assunta Square.
8 September
🕔 20:00 | “SA CANTADA A IS PICIOCAS” (Serenata to the Young Marriageable Girls)
Animated by the Kellarious Folk Group from Selargius, directed by Maestra Valeria Busu, with participation from the Group from the Czech Republic.
The serenades will be performed at the following houses: Luigi Ligas on Roselli Street 59, Casa Luigi Ragatzu on San Giuliano Street 12-14, and concluding at the Pro Loco headquarters on Bezzecca Street 44-46.
9 September
🕔 19:00 | “SU TRASFERIMENTU DE IS ARROBAS” (The Transfer of the Barrels). The procession will start from Pro Loco at Via Bezzecca No. 46 and will wind through the following streets: Bezzecca, Trieste, San Lussorio, Piazza M.V. Assunta, San Nicolò, and finally at Luigi Ligas’ residence on Via Rosselli 59.
🕔 20:30 | Piazza M.V. Assunta Folklore Performance of Dances and Songs with the Group from the Czech Republic.
11 September
ANCIENT SELARGINO WEDDING 2023 (live broadcast on the regional TV channel “Videolina”)
8:00 | Former Collu House – Bread, Sweets, and Local Crafts Market
8:00 | Groom’s Dressing, Canonico Putzu House on Via Roma 63.
8:20 | Bride’s Dressing and Meeting with Guest Couples, Luigi Ligas House on Via Rosselli 59.
9:00 | Start of the Wedding Procession, organized by the Kellarious Folk Group.
More than 60 of Sardinia’s most representative folkloristic groups will be present, as well as the Group from the Czech Republic; ox carts with the bride and groom’s trousseau, horse-drawn carts and carriages festively decorated, horses, horsemen.
Groom and Authority Procession: Municipio Square, Istria Street, Roma Street, Canonico Putzu House, Roma Street, Rosselli Street (Bride’s House – Ligas House).
WEDDING PROCESSION ROUTE: Municipio Square, Istria Street, Roma Street, San Salvatore Street, Don Orione Square, Santa Olimpia Street, Crimea Street, Custoza Street, Matteotti Street, Rivoli Street, Bellini Street, San Martino Street, Trieste Street, Istria Street, San Lussorio Street, Church of M.V. Assunta.
11:00 | HOLY MASS – WEDDING CELEBRATION
Religious ceremony conducted in the Campidanese language by Don Elenio Abis, accompanied by the polyphonic choir of Selargius directed by Maestro M. Pibiri, and organ played by Maestra G. Congiu. The mass will be broadcast live on the Videolina television network.
12:30 | Promise of love in the Romanesque Temple of San Giuliano.
13:00 | Wedding Procession through the streets: San Nicolò, San Giuliano, Dante Street, Roma Street, Canonico Putzu House. Blessing of the Newlyweds, wedding banquet.
20:00 | In M.V. Assunta Square: Folk show of dances and songs with the participation of the groups present at the event; the Czech Republic Group will also participate. The evening show, hosted by Ottavio Nieddu, will be later broadcast by the television broadcaster Videolina.
From September 5th to 10th, in Si’e Boi Square, a tourist reception village will be set up, where you can explore various stands featuring local typical products, with tastings available at reasonable prices. Source: prolocoselargius.it
Stay in Cagliari and explore southern Sardinia
Booking.com3. AUTUMN IN BARBAGIA 2023
Among the most popular events in Sardinia in September is undoubtedly “Autunno in Barbagia” (Autumn in Barbagia). The festival showcases the oldest activities and crafts of the central Sardinian villages every year. Each weekend from September 2nd to December 17th, one of the 32 villages in Barbagia becomes a “Cortes Apertas,” where houses and courtyards are opened to visitors to learn about the traditions of the hosting village. Attendees can discover typical Sardinian dishes, customs, and arts displayed by local artisans.
For the complete schedule of villages, visit our dedicated page for the Autunno in Barbagia 2023 event.
Discover the most authentic side of Sardinia during “Autunno in Barbagia”
🚘 Rent a car to travel between the event’s villages: prices starting from €45 per day
🏨 Book a stay at a typical farmhouse in the area. Tip: Book in Orgosolo!
🐗 Experience typical activities like these: learn how to make culurgiones (Sardinian stuffed pasta) and enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting at a farmhouse.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Sardinia, September is the ideal time. During this month, the island comes alive with a series of events that showcase its millennia-old history and traditions. And if you want to take advantage of discounted rates, we’ve gathered some unmissable September offers for you.
Sardinia is a treasure trove of authentic experiences all year round, featuring 8 unique events that will capture your attention. From traditional festivals to food and wine celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit to Sardinia and uncover everything this captivating destination has to offer.
September is also the perfect month for boat trips
Book your trip here
