{"id":1262,"date":"2026-01-13T13:22:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T12:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/?p=1262"},"modified":"2026-06-15T12:57:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T10:57:43","slug":"sardinian-carnival-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/carnevale-sardo-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"SARDINIAN CARNIVAL 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"art\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Article\">\n<div class=\"intro-box\">\nThe Sardinian Carnival is <strong>UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage<\/strong> and one of the most intense anthropological spectacles in Europe. It is not a carnival of confetti and papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 costumes \u2014 it is an ancient ritual with roots stretching back to the Nuragic prehistory, featuring masks that seem to have come from another world. <strong>Guide 2026.<\/strong>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\" style=\"margin-top:20px\">\n<p><strong>Over 300 properties managed since 2011 in North Sardinia<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every year we help hundreds of families, couples and groups find the perfect home \u2014 no mistakes, no surprises.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nav-box\">\n<p>\ud83d\udccc Carnivals not to be missed<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#mamoiada\">Mamoiada \u2014 The Mamuthones<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ottana\">Ottana \u2014 Boes and Merdules<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#oristano\">Oristano \u2014 Sa Sartiglia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tempio\">Tempio Pausania \u2014 Lo Gnocco<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sassari\">Sassari and Alghero<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#date\">Key dates for 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"translation-block\">FAQ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mamoiada\">\ud83c\udfad Mamoiada \u2014 The Mamuthones (Barbagia)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  <span class=\"badge badge-red\">Sardinia\u2019s Oldest and Most Vibrant Carnival<\/span><\/p>\n<p>I <strong>Mamuthones<\/strong> The masks of Mamoiada are the most iconic ritual masks in Italy. Silent figures, laden with heavy cowbells, they advance in orderly rows, marking a metallic rhythm. It is not a spectacle \u2014 it is a ritual dating back thousands of years.<\/p>\n<h4>The masks<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mamuthones:<\/strong> 12 men wearing black carved wooden masks, sheepskin coats and cowbells on their backs (weighing up to 30 kg). They march in step.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Issohadores:<\/strong> Eight men in traditional red costumes who \u201ccaptivate\u201d the audience by throwing the <em>soha<\/em> (loop)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The ceremony takes place on the first Sundays of Carnival and on Carnival Sunday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"trucco\"><span class=\"ico\">\ud83d\udca1<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0\">Mamoiada is also home to the <strong>Museum of Mediterranean Masks<\/strong> \u2014 open all year round, an excellent way to understand the anthropological context. From Sassari: approx. 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"ottana\">\ud83d\udc2e Ottana \u2014 Boes and Merdules (Nuoro)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  <span class=\"badge badge-orange\">The Carnival of the Oxen<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In Ottana, the ritual masks represent an ancestral conflict between <strong>Boes<\/strong> (costumed oxen \u2014 zoomorphic figures wearing rough wooden masks and animal skins) and <strong>Merdules<\/strong> (the masters). It is a ritual linked to Sardinian pastoral agriculture \u2014 the struggle between man and nature.<\/p>\n<p>The masks of Ottana are considered to be among the most \u201cprimitive\u201d and intense in Sardinia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"oristano\">\u2694\ufe0f Oristano \u2014 Sa Sartiglia<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  <span class=\"badge badge-blue\">Sardinia\u2019s Most Famous Horse Show<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sa Sartiglia<\/strong> It is the medieval joust in Oristano \u2014 a horseback tournament in which masked knights attempt to spear a five-pointed star suspended from a string with their swords. The knight\u2019s skill in hitting the star is said to foretell the fortune of the harvest.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It takes place on the last Sunday of Carnival and on Shrove Tuesday<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Composers<\/strong> He is the chief knight \u2014 an androgynous figure in a white mask, with bandaged hands, almost sacred in appearance<\/li>\n<li>Historical procession in 17th-century costume, musicians, equestrian acrobatics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"dark-box\"><strong>Sa Sartiglia is one of Sardinia\u2019s most photogenic events \u2014 every year it attracts professional photographers from all over Europe.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tempio\">\ud83c\udfaa Tempio Pausania \u2014 Lo Gnocco (Gallura)<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card\">\n  <span class=\"badge badge-green\">The Carnival Closest to Northern Sardinia<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Tempio Pausania Carnival<\/strong> is the most important in northern Sardinia. It revolves around a central figure: <strong>King Gioliol\u00e0iu (The Dumpling)<\/strong> \u2014 a giant puppet that reigns over the carnival; on Shrove Tuesday, it is put on trial for its \u201cvices\u201d and finally burned.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Costume parades throughout the carnival season<\/li>\n<li>Satirical songs in the Gallurese dialect<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe \u201dtrial\u201d and burning of the Gnocco on Shrove Tuesday<\/li>\n<li>An authentic, down-to-earth festive atmosphere \u2014 not the touristy sort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\ud83d\udccd Tempio Pausania (Gallura) \u2014 80 minutes from Sassari, 60 minutes from Olbia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"sassari\">\ud83c\udf89 Sassari and Alghero<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<p>The two main towns in northern Sardinia host traditional carnivals featuring masked parades, children\u2019s events and celebrations in the historic centre. Whilst less culturally rich than the carnivals in the Barbagia region, they are accessible, entertaining and well organised.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sassari<\/strong>: masked parades in the town centre, events in the main squares<\/li>\n<li><strong>Alghero<\/strong>: Carnival in the Catalan historic centre, family-friendly events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"date\">\ud83d\udcc5 Key Dates for the 2026 Sardinian Carnival<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<div class=\"alert-box\">The exact dates are confirmed each year by the organising local authorities. Always check the official programmes before planning your visit.<\/div>\n<div class=\"tbl-wrap\">\n<table class=\"bt\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Event<\/th>\n<th>Approximate timeframe: 2026<\/th>\n<th>Where<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Mamuthones of Mamoiada<\/td>\n<td>The first Sunday in February + Shrove Tuesday<\/td>\n<td>Mamoiada (Nu)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Boes and Merdules<\/td>\n<td>Carnival Sundays<\/td>\n<td>Ottana (Nu)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sa Sartiglia<\/td>\n<td>The last Sunday + Shrove Tuesday<\/td>\n<td>Oristano<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tempio Pausania Carnival<\/td>\n<td>Throughout February until Shrove Tuesday<\/td>\n<td>Tempio Pausania (OT)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sassari Carnival<\/td>\n<td>February<\/td>\n<td>Sassari<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Alghero Carnival<\/td>\n<td>February<\/td>\n<td>Alghero (SS)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>The <strong>Shrove Tuesday 2026<\/strong> falls <strong>17 February 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\" style=\"margin:32px 0 20px\">\n<h3>Planning Your Holiday in North Sardinia (Stress-Free)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ferry or plane?<\/strong> Depends on where you are departing from and how long you are staying \u2014 we help you choose<\/li>\n<li><strong>Car recommended?<\/strong> Yes, essential for hidden coves and total freedom. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/it\/italy-sardinia?a_aid=AFFITTASARDEGNA\" style=\"color:#09b1c0\">Book here with discount<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Best period?<\/strong> <a href=\"\/en\/meglio-agosto-o-settembre-in-sardegna-confronto-onesto-2026\/\">June and September<\/a> \u2014 fewer crowds, better prices, more privacy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where to stay?<\/strong> A private home with terrace or garden = 10x the experience compared to a hotel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>With AffittaSardegna you get everything: home + expert advice + local tips since 2011.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>  <a href=\"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/accommodations\/\" style=\"color:#09b1c0;font-weight:700\">\u2192 See available homes<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\" style=\"margin-bottom:32px\">\n<h3>Sardinian Carnival 2026: The Best Events in Northern Sardinia<\/h3>\n<p>The Tempio Pausania Carnival is the largest in northern Sardinia, featuring parades of floats and traditional masks. The Mamuthones of Mamoiada (area Barbagia) are Sardinia\u2019s oldest and most mysterious masks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<h3>\ud83d\udccd Where to stay during Carnival<\/h3>\n<p>The most authentic carnivals are in the countryside, but it\u2019s best to stay in convenient locations.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Nuoro<\/strong> \u2192 the perfect base for Barbagia<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dorgali<\/strong> \u2192 the seaside + inland events<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sassari<\/strong> \u2192 city + easy travel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card\">\n<h3>Where to Stay in North Sardinia<\/h3>\n<p>We help you choose the right home based on the period, area and type of holiday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Book direct and save up to 15% compared to booking platforms.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">\u2753 FAQs<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<div class=\"faq-item\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-q\" itemprop=\"name\">What is the Mamoiada Carnival and why is it famous?<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-a\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><span itemprop=\"text\">The Mamoiada Carnival is famous for the Mamuthones \u2014 ritual masks made of dark wood, with heavy cowbells on their backs, marching in single file to the rhythmic clang of metal. It is one of the oldest and most intense carnival rituals in Europe, linked to pre-Christian cults of the 1st century BC. It is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-q\" itemprop=\"name\">Which Sardinian carnival is closest to northern Sardinia?<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-a\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><span itemprop=\"text\">The Tempio Pausania Carnival is the most important in northern Sardinia and is easily accessible from Sassari (80 mins) and Olbia (60 mins). To see the Mamuthones of Mamoiada and the Sartiglia of Oristano, you\u2019ll need to take a trip of at least half a day from the Sassari\/Olbia area \u2014 but both are well worth the journey.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-q\" itemprop=\"name\">When is the Sardinian Carnival taking place in 2026?<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-a\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"><span itemprop=\"text\">The 2026 carnival season takes place mainly in February. Shrove Tuesday 2026 falls on 17 February. The main events (Mamuthones, Sartiglia, Tempio Pausania) are concentrated on the Sundays in February and the weekend of Shrove Tuesday. Check the official programmes of the individual municipalities for the exact dates of the events.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"leggi-anche\">\ud83d\udcd6 Read also <a href=\"\/en\/come-organizzare-vacanza-nord-sardegna-5-step\/\">\u2192 How to organise your holiday in North Sardinia in 5 steps<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"background:#eef2fc;border-left:4px solid #2A3F80;padding:1.4em 1.6em;margin:2em 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:1.05em;font-weight:700;color:#2A3F80;margin:0 0 0.5em;\">Holiday Homes in North Sardinia<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 1em;color:#333;\">We have been managing holiday homes in North Sardinia since 2011. Book direct: best rate, genuine local support, zero commission.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/accommodations\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2A3F80;color:#fff;padding:0.55em 1.2em;border-radius:3px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;\">See homes \u2192<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Il Carnevale sardo \u00e8 Patrimonio Culturale Immateriale UNESCO e uno degli spettacoli antropologici pi\u00f9 intensi d&#8217;Europa. Non \u00e8 un carnevale di coriandoli e costumi di cartapesta \u2014 \u00e8 un rito atavico che affonda le radici nella preistoria nuragica, con maschere che sembrano uscite da un altro mondo. Guida 2026. \u2b50 Oltre 300 case gestite dal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[124],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1262","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tradizioni-eventi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1262","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1262"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1262\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1262"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1262"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affittasardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1262"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}