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: 3 traditional events
1. THE BAREFOOT RACE OF SAN SALVATORE
🗓️ 5- 6 September 2026 📍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 5th September 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 at 8.30 am.
- Sunday 6th September at 6 pm: the route is reversed: from San Salvatore to the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cabras at 7 pm.
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.
Programme 5-6-7 September 2026
(Corsa degli Scalzi – Cabras / San Salvatore di Sinis)
Saturday 5 September
Religious celebrations
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Cabras
- 06:00 – Holy Mass presided over by His Excellency the Most Reverend Monsignor Roberto Carbonì
Civil celebrations
- Village of San Salvatore
- 20:00 – Mullet Festival + Boes e Merdules of Ottana
- 22:00 – Cordas et Cannas in concert
Sunday 6 September
Religious celebrations
- Village of San Salvatore
- 10:30 – Procession through the Village streets, accompanied by the Association “Launeddas del Sinis” and the accordionists Giuseppe Pintus and Piero Manca. Holy Mass presided over by Don Diego Tendàs
- 17:00 – Rosary
- 17:30 – Holy Mass and departure of the Most Holy Saviour
- 18:00 – CORSA DEGLI SCALZI (Barefoot Race)
Return to Cabras of the Statue of San Salvatore accompanied by “Is Curridoris” - 19:00 – Welcome of the Most Holy Saviour
Civil celebrations
- Piazza Stagno
- 19:00 – Fireworks display by the pyrotechnic company F.lli Massa – Serdiana
- 21:30 – Baby K in concert
Monday 7 September
Religious celebrations
- Village of San Salvatore
- 06:30 – PROCESSION OF THE SAINT
Holy Mass and departure of the women who bring Su Santigheddu back to Cabras, closing the celebrations - 09:00 – Arrival in Cabras and blessing
STAY IN THE SINIS REGION: AN UNSPOILT AREA OF SARDINIA.
🔝 Suggested choice 🔝
2. SA COJA ANTIGA CEREXINA – ANCIENT SELARGINO WEDDING
🗓️ 10 – 20 September 📍 Selergius
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.
ANTICO SPOSALIZIO SELARGINO 2026 (Sa Coja Antiga Cerexina)
Couple of the year: Sara Pattatu and Marco Scarpaci
⚠️ Note: the programme is indicative and based on previous editions. Dates, times and appointments for 2026 are still to be officially confirmed.
Thursday 17 September – Sa Cantada a Is Piccioccas
- Traditional serenade dedicated to the young women of the village.
- Groups in traditional costume walk through Selargius and reach the ancient Campidanese houses.
- Songs and music of the Sardinian tradition accompany the evening.
- An evocative event that recalls the ancient courtship ritual.
Friday 18 September
- Day dedicated to cultural, musical and folkloric events linked to the Sposalizio.
- Shows and initiatives accompany the community towards the central moment of the festival.
Saturday 19 September – Su Trasferimentu de Is Arrobas
- Traditional transfer of the bridal trousseau to the future home.
- The trousseau is carried on the characteristic traccas, the traditional carts.
- The procession winds through the streets of Selargius accompanied by groups in costume and musicians.
- It is one of the most distinctive moments of the festival and allows visitors to relive an ancient Campidanese wedding rite.
Sunday 20 September: The Day of the Coja (Wedding)
The day’s programme revolves around the traditional wedding rite with:
- Deposition of the couple’s promise, kept according to tradition and destined to be reread after 25 years, on the occasion of the silver wedding anniversary
- Procession of the newlyweds through the streets of Selargius, accompanied by folkloric groups and figures in traditional costume.
- Traccas, the characteristic decorated traditional carts, which open and accompany the procession.
- Celebration of the wedding in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Assunta, according to the traditional Campidanese rite.
- Mass in Campidanese Sardinian language, accompanied by the music and songs of the tradition.
- Rite of the silver chain, the most characteristic moment: the spouses are symbolically bound by the traditional three-ring chain.
- Subsequent procession towards the Church of San Giuliano, where the final part of the ritual takes place.
❗️THE PROGRAMME MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGES AND VARIATIONS ❗️
Stay in Cagliari and explore southern Sardinia
Booking.com3. AUTUMN IN BARBAGIA | 3 months event
🗓️ 5 September – 13 December📍 Selergius
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 5th to December 13th, more than 30 villages in Barbagia become 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 2026 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
The contents of this blog are for purely informational purposes and may change over time. We invite you to always verify the information on the official channels. We are not responsible for any subsequent modifications. Some of the links present are affiliate links: if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
