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
🗓️ 6- 7 September 📍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 6th September at 7:00 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 7th September at 6.00 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
🗓️ 5 – 14 September 📍 Selergius
THE PROGRAM – FROM SEPTEMBER 5 TO 14, 2025
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
At Casa Cara
9:00 PM – S’ACCABAMENTU DE SA COJA
Official engagement representation followed by a folkloric show, light refreshments, and the inauguration of the Ethnographic Exhibition.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Piazza Maria Vergine Assunta
9:00 PM – DIALECTAL COMEDY in three acts: Mundiccu Frucaxia by Alfonso Mereu
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Community Center SI ‘E BOI
6:00 PM – CRAFT EXHIBITION INAUGURATION
The exhibitions will remain open until September 14.
Tasting of local and Sardinian products.
Piazza M. V. Assunta
9:00 PM – SARDEGNIAN DIALECT POETRY COMPETITION
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
8:00 PM – “SA CANTADA A IS PICCIOCCAS” (Serenade for young girls to be married)
Performed by the Folk Group Kellarious from Selargius, directed by Maestro Valeria Busu, with participation from the Folk Group of Macedonia.
The serenades will be performed starting from:
- Pro Loco headquarters, Via Bezzecca 44-46
- Casa Luigi Ragatzu, Via San Giuliano 12-14
- Casa Canonico Putzu, Via Roma 63
And will conclude at Casa CARA, Via Fratelli Bandiera 18.
Piazza M. V. Assunta
10:00 PM – Musical Show (artist to be announced)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
7:00 PM – “SU TRASFERIMENTU DE IS ARROBAS”
The parade will depart from Pro Loco, Via Bezzecca 46, following the streets: Bezzecca, Salvemini, Marsala, Sant’Olimpia, Dante, Fratelli Bandiera.
Piazza M. V. Assunta
8:30 PM – Folkloric Show of dances and songs with the group “FOLK DELLA MACEDONIA.”
Followed by a cabaret performance by Alessandro Pili (Su Sindigu de Scrafingiu)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – ANTICO SPOSALIZIO SELARGINO 2025
8:00 AM – Market of bread, sweets, and local crafts
Gathering of Folk Groups at Piazza Cellarium (in front of the Town Hall)
8:00 AM – Groom Dressing at Casa Canonico Putzu, Via Roma 63
8:20 AM – Bride Dressing at Casa Cara, Via Fratelli Bandiera, and meeting with the bride and groom, foreign guests, and the couple celebrating their silver wedding anniversary.
9:00 AM – Wedding Parade begins, organized by the Folk Group Kellarious.
Over 50 representative Sardinian folk groups will participate, along with the guest group “FOLK OF MACEDONIA.”
Ox-drawn carts with the couple’s belongings, horse-drawn carriages decorated for the occasion, horses, and riders will also be present.
Groom and authorities parade route: Piazza Municipio, Via Istria, Via Roma, Casa Canonico Putzu.
Parade route to the bride: Casa Canonico Putzu, Via Roma, Via Dante, Via Fratelli Bandiera 18 – Casa Cara (bride’s house).
Combined parade route: Casa Cara, Via Fratelli Bandiera, Via Rosselli to join the parade at Via San Salvatore.
Wedding Parade Route: Piazza Municipio, Via Istria, Via Roma, Via San Salvatore, Piazza Don Orione, Via Torrente, Via Bellini, Via Custoza, Via Matteotti, Via San Martino, Via Trieste, Via Istria, Via San Lussorio, Church of M.V. Assunta.
11:00 AM – HOLY MASS WITH MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Religious rite celebrated in the Campidanese language, accompanied by the Selargius polyphonic choir directed by Maestro M. Pibiri, with Maestro G. Congiu on the organ.
The mass will be broadcast live on Videolina TV.
12:30 PM – Love Promise at the Romanesque Temple of San Giuliano.
1:00 PM – Wedding Parade through San Nicolò, San Giuliano, Via Roma, Casa Canonico Putzu
Blessing of the couple, wedding banquet.
8:00 PM – Folk show of dances and songs at Piazza M. V. Assunta, with participation from all groups attending the event; the guest group “FOLK OF MACEDONIA” will also perform.
The evening show, presented by Ottavio Nieddu, will later be broadcast by Videolina.
FROM SEPTEMBER 11 TO 14 – at Piazza Si’e Boi
A tourist welcome village will be set up, featuring stands with local products and tastings.
❗️THE PROGRAM MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGES
Stay in Cagliari and explore southern Sardinia
Booking.com3. AUTUMN IN BARBAGIA | 3 months event
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 6th to December 14th, 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 2025 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
