The Carnival of Mamoiada is among the oldest folkloric manifestation in
Sardinia.
It is a heartfelt happening, a moment of intense popular
participation for the whole village whose inhabitants gather in the main
square to dance all evening long "su passu torrāu". "su sārtiu" and "su
dillu". But everyone's attention is focused on the parade of the
Mamuthones and Issohadores, Sardinia's most renowned masks. The end of
the Carnival is symbolised by the mask of "Juanne Martis Sero".
On Mardi Gras, this puppet is placed on a cart and driven through the streets
of the village by men dressed as
"zias" and "zios", mourners who grieve his death and sing their
bereavement.
As a conclusion to three days of dancing and parading on
the square and through the village streets of local production and a
traditional dish of broad beans and pork, generously accompanied by the
execellent local "vinu nigheddu" (red wine).
