Tancas Abertas | Pozzomaggiore - Ardia di San Costantino

Pozzomaggiore - Ardia di San Costantino

“Su caddu 'e punta” leads the group of horsemen at a walking pace. (photoIvo Piras)

Since 1923, the feast of Saint Constantine the Emperor has been celebrated with the Ardia race.

“Su caddu 'e punta” at a gallop. (photoAngelo Marras)

The riflemen around the route. (photoIvo Piras)

The lead rider, “Su caddu 'e punta”, who, wearing a red jacket, represents Emperor Constantine. (photoIvo Piras)

The head of the entire troop with his white horse and the banner bearing the image of the Saint. (photoIvo Piras)

Close-up of some horses from the group. (photoIvo Piras)

Moment of the clockwise race around the churchyard. (photoIvo Piras)

The group of “sas iscortas” protects the lead rider at a gallop. (photoIvo Piras)

A beautiful horse seen in the foreground. (photoIvo Piras)

The history of the festival is relatively recent, dating back to the 1920s and the first post-war period (after World War I, the victorious war of 1915-1918), when a group of war veterans and emigrants living abroad decided to build a sanctuary in honor of Saint Constantine, to fulfill their votive promises.

The construction of the sanctuary took place from 1920 to 1923, thanks to the work and financial contributions of the entire community.

It is a beautiful story of a united community where everyone gave what they could: those who worked, those who provided oxen, those who financed the project, and even the women who carried the water. On July 5, 1923, the sanctuary was consecrated.

The heart of the festival is the horseback race, where the riders, divided into two groups, compete along a set course, representing a tradition deeply rooted in the history of Sardinia. The riders, wearing their traditional outfits, race with great skill and determination, striving to keep the bond between the land and faith alive.