Cavalcata Sarda — Sardinia’s greatest festival of traditional costume and horsemanship

3,000+ participants in traditional Sardinian costume from every village on the island. Horsemen, ox-carts, dancers, and the most photogenic cultural parade in Italy.

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When

Penultimate Sunday of May. Sassari, northwest Sardinia. All-day event: morning parade (9am–1pm), afternoon riding/acrobatics (3–6pm).

The event

Every Sardinian village sends a delegation in their traditional costume (each village’s is different and dates back centuries). The morning parade through Sassari’s streets is 3+ hours of color, embroidery, and pride. The afternoon: pariglie — Sardinian acrobatic horsemanship (riders stand on galloping horses, perform stunts). More impressive than any circus.

Getting there

Fly to Alghero airport (20 min from Sassari) or Olbia (1h30). Stay in Sassari (€60–100/night) or Alghero (€50–90). Book early — the island fills up.

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