Sa Sartiglia, Oristano (Sardinia)

Oristano's Sa Sartiglia is a spectacular equestrian carnival — masked riders on horseback attempt to spear a hanging star at full gallop. The lead rider (su Componidori) is dressed and masked in an elaborate ritual. Medieval jousting meets carnival pageantry.

Sa Sartiglia, Oristano (Sardinia) 2026

Festival
Oristano, SardiniaWhere
Last Sunday + Mardi Gras, 2026When
€10–25 grandstandCost

Mounted star-spearing at full gallop

💡 Pro tip: Book grandstand seats early (€10–25) for the best view of the star-spearing runs. The morning ritual dressing of su Componidori is open to the public and deeply atmospheric.
⚠️ Heads up: Oristano is on Sardinia's west coast — fly to Cagliari or Alghero and drive (1–1.5 hours). Book accommodation early as the town is small.

Bottom line

A spectacular equestrian carnival — masked horseback riders spearing a star at full gallop. One of the most thrilling and photogenic festivals in all of Italy.

Oristano hotelsSardinia toursTrain tickets

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