Sardinia was surprisingly green, with unspoiled landscapes, great food, and unforgettable hospitality. The friendly Sardinian people reached out and made us feel welcome on their island. Although we had no language in common, Sardinians were somehow able to make themselves understood and communicate with us.
We visited a variety of ancient pagan festivals: Gavoi’s Sortilla de Tumbarinos, Perda Pinta’s Mamuthones Festival, Montiferru’s Carrela è Nanti, and the carnivals in Sartiglia and Ovodda, each with their own tasteand traditions. I can’t say I enjoyed one more than another as they wereall different and fantastic. Our Trip Leaders, Stefano and Sebastiano went out of theirway to make sure we saw everything in true detail and so we didn’t miss athing!
Our first lunch was spent with Sardinian shepherds.Our first lunch, yum.In Gavoi, Stefano and Sebas convinced us to paint our faces to camouflage us for the Sortillia de Tumbarinos festival. Here I am getting my face painted.At the festival, we heard drums from all around, the heart penetrating sound made it impossible not to rush to the street and try to capture all that was going on. The whole town came dressed in black with black faces: children, young and old, men and women playing drums, flutes and triangles while gathering in the center of town to celebrate the last day of Lent. The festivities went on until late in the night, truly exiting.This photo was taken by my fellow traveler, Paulette Hurdlik, of our local guide in Gavoi, Valeria Sanna.In Santu Lussurgiu, horseback riders and neighbors strolled through the charming town celebrating the Festival of Carrela è Nanti. The festival consisted of many riders who, in teams of two or three, galloped through the narrow central street of the old town as they tried to decapitate two leather chickens, demonstrating bravery and tremendous riding skills. The riders looked like knights from medieval times.After the festival in Santu Lussurgiu was over, this lucky child got to keep the leather chickens.
Great tour, greater guides, exquisite food, wonderful experience!
