Mystical Mamuthones from Mamoiada

The mystical Mamuthones from Mamoiada have always stirred my soul and made me question the origin of their existence. I have attended festivals in Sassari and Olbia where the Mamuthones preformed before the inquisitive public, but I had never witnessed their ritual dance in their town, on their turf, until this past Sunday when I attended Tappas in Mamujada. There is something so raw and connected to nature in their dance that pulls me in, curious, wanting to know more. So I went searching …

Mural in Mamoiada

The Mamuthone legacy is shrouded in secrecy Continue reading

Carrasciali Trinitaiesu | Carnevale Trinita 2012

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This gallery contains 7 photos.

Last night marked the end of Carnival. The crowds came out in numbers to watch the floats and dancers go by. The atmosphere hung steams of happiness and moments of crisis’ momentarily forgotten. Carrasciali Trinitaiesu Devils, hippies and fairies oh … Continue reading

Carrasciali Trinitaiesu | Carnival in Sardinia

All around the world people are gearing up for the biggest party on the planet – Carnival. It’s already started here, in Sardinia, Italy. Last night kicked off the beginning of Carrasciali Trinitaiesu.

The 2000 locals finally free from winters wrath, dusted off their masks, put finishing touches on floats and cars, filled up thermos’ of wine, beer and liquor and they hit the streets for Carrasciali Trinitaiesu 2012.

Finally blessed with beautiful warm sunshine which brought out smiles and laughter from young and old alike. The techno beats kept the kids moving and the bootleg Sardinian red helped the adults forget winters harsh cold.

Fairies, berries and confetti too.

Are you celebrating Carnival? What are your customs?

Video – Carnival Tempio Pausania 2011

Carnival Tempio Pausania 2011. Parade for the kids, this is judging time and dance time!

Carnival Tempio Pausania Event Listings 2012

Welcome to Carnival Tempio Pausania, Sardinia, Italy

Below you will find the three major parade dates and time listings for major events.
Main events are held on February 16, 19 and 21.

Thursday, February 16

  • 12pm – King Giorgio makes his grand entrance into the city of Tempio Pausania – Via Matteotti.
  • 3:30pm – The grand parade of floats, dance troupes, flag throwers and musicians begins.
  • 7pm – In Piazza Gallura. The engagement dinner honouring King Giorgio and Mannena is celebrated with organized caterers from Tempio Pausania.
  • 9:30pm – Live music.

Sunday, February 19

  • 12pm – Corso Matteotti – King Giorgio’s bride Mannena enters the city.
  • 3:30pm – The grand parade of floats, music and majorettes begins. During the parade King Giorgio and Mannena are married by the Mayor of Tempio Pausania.
  • 7pm – Piazza Gallura – pre-judging of the floats is carried out, set against live music until 9:30pm.

Tuesday, February 21

  • 3:30pm – The finale grand parade begins with music, dance troupes, majorettes, flag throwers. Final judging on floats and dance troupes are done throughout the parade. Winners are announced at the end.
  • 7pm – Largo XXV Aprile – Grand finale of Carnival Tempio Pausania with fireworks and music.
  • 10pm – Final salute to Carnival with live music.

For a complete line-up of events in Tempio Pausania please visit Carrasciali Timpiesu.

How to tell you’ve had a good time at Carnival | Tempio Pausania, Sardinia, Italy

How do you define a good time? Is it with music or dance? Is singing in your repertoire? What if we combine all those ingredients and throw a six-day festival in honour of a dead King?

The party starts here:

The festival parade of masks and floats generally occurs before Lent. People of all ages and walks of life come out to celebrate the King of Carnival – King George (or Giorgio if you’re in Italy). Many of the ancient traditions have disappeared over the centuries, but one thing clearly stays the same –  Carnevale Tempiese, The Carnival of Tempio Pausania.

Tempio Pausania is in the Gallura region of northern Sardinia and is the administrative capital (along with Olbia) making the province of Olbia-Tempio.

The 14,000 inhabitants know how to throw an impressive Carnival and have shown up by the thousands to pay homage (and party) in honour of the King.

In just a few weeks time people from all over Europe will take part in dance, costume and play, at one of Sardinia’s biggest celebrations, after brushing out the winter cobwebs and hailing in the new sun shine.

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