Sardinia Winter Attractions And Events
Don’t think of Italy as only a summer destination. There are plenty of things to do and to see during the Italian spring, fall, and even winter. This series of articles provides ideas for your Italian winter vacation, describing regional spectacles, tourist attractions, and special events, and sometimes skiing and other winter sports. Italian winter holidays have several advantages: You won’t fight the crowds, hotels and other accommodations are easier and cheaper to find, and every region has its own winter festivals. When we say winter, we mean November to February; spring comes early in Italy. Don’t look here for information about Italy’s marvelous Carnivale; we are planning a separate series covering regional Carnivale celebrations. Talk about planning; start organizing your Italian winter holidays now. Keep reading.
The island of Sardinia east of the Italian mainland has a relatively mild winter. And yet you won’t want to sit in your shirtsleeves in a seaside café sipping a local wine. That pleasure will have to wait for the other seasons. November 1 is the day of the Dead, and in Nuoro many families prepare a feast and leave room at the table for departed loved ones. They cook lots of extra food and share the meal with less fortunate neighbors. Then people join the holy procession to the Madonna delle Grazie sanctuary, where village from neighboring villages sing hymns. The village of Desulo holds a ‘Mountain Products Agricultural Fair’ with handicraft and painting exhibitions during the first week of November.
Wild Ponies
Giara Sardinia is home to exotic flora and fauna.
Santa Lucia is a beloved saint whose December 13th festival is celebrated in many towns such as Nurachi Tempio. Cagliari holds a Christmas Fair for two weeks in December featuring traditional crafts, food, and wine.
Alghero is a great place to spend New Year’s Eve, especially in the Old Town whose piazzas host live music concerts culminating in a grand firework display over the harbor. There are firecrackers in the streets, and most bars stay open until at least 6 am the following morning! St. Anthony's Day is widely celebrated in Sardinia on January 16 and 17. Ancient tradition has it that the saint, like Prometheus, stole into hell and brought back fire, so a bonfire is at the center of the festivities. Each town places different herbs and fruits atop the blaze, creating a unique aroma. The women bring sweets and dark fruity loaves of pane nigheddu, while men enjoy wine and aquavit. The most spectacular celebration is said to be in Mamoiada, where 12 frightening masks called mamuthones represent the months of the year.
Celebrating Saint Anthony
Enjoy Saint Anthony's Day in mid-January.
Every weekend from early January to mid February Alghero holds its Bogamarì Sea Urchin Festival that dates back to the days when Sardinia was ruled by Catalonia; this town’s nickname is still Barcelonetta and the old people still speak a form of Catalan. The restaurants offer specials such as Spaghetti al Riccio di mare (Spaghetti a la Sea Urchins) best enjoyed with local white wine. And wherever you go and whatever you do, check out the fine Sardinia wines including Vermentino di Gallura.
Naples is known for its musical New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Be careful, in some neighborhoods, people still throw their old things out of their windows. So you may prefer watching the ceremonies on television. Naples originated the tradition known as Lo Sciuscio in which groups of amateur musicians including children go from house to house on New Year's Eve. If you want good luck in the New Year give them some money or candies. This tradition is kept more in the small towns near Napoli than in Naples itself.
Caserta holds its Festival of St. Sebastian in January. Make sure to see its Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was headquarters to the Allied High Command in World War II. Italy celebrates Saint Biago Day on February 3rd. He was the saint of the throat. It’s a traditional to honor him by eating leftover Panettone (Italian Christmas cake) with a glass of wine; your throat will thank you. Some localities celebrate with parades, music, and bonfires. February activities include a fine fireworks show in the town of Mugnano di Napoli, near Naples, and a costumed races and sports meet in Avellino, home to some mighty fine white wine. And wherever you go and whatever you do, check out the fine Sardinia wines including Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Taurasi.
About the Author
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his website www.travelitalytravel.com devoted to Italian travel with an accent on fine Italian wine and food. Visit his central wine website www.theworldwidewine.com with weekly reviews of $10 wine and columns devoted to various aspects of wine including wine and food, humor, trivia, organic and kosher wine and lots more.
Feel free to reprint this entire article which must include the resource box
Access our Italian Luxury and Bargain Hotels Guide
Return to Italian Winter Attractions and Events
Winter events, spectacles, and tourist attractions in Sardinia, Italy