Masked kinghts show in Sartiglia for Mardi Gras in Oristano, Sardinia

Masked knights and people wearing medieval habits parade in the main street and play ancient medieval ring joust during carnival period in the town of Oristano.
Corporations of farmers and carpenters organize two tpurnaments in wich knights riding a horse tray to catch a silver star suspended by wires with a sword.

The most ancient documents concerning the history of the Sartiglia in Oristano, kept in the Historical Archive of the town, refer to the purchase of some wooden spears for the joust, ordered by a town authority of the time at a carpenter’s shop. This detail suggests that probably, in the Spanish age, the tournament was first organized by the municipal institution and then entrusted to the Guilds – trade corporations operating in the Royal Cities from the 16th century – that have handed down the ceremonial rites till our days.

The passing of the cortege is one of the most exciting moments of the event, ideally embraced by the whole town, including many tourists coming from far and wide.
The magnificence of horses and the elegance of horsemen, wearing ancient costumes of Sardinian and Spanish tradition, the blasting colours of horse trappings, the flourishing of bugles and the gait of drummers really captivate watchers’ mind.