Sa chida Santa

Holy Week, known as Sa Chida Santa, is a unique, fascinating time of the year on the island of Sardinia, and particularly in our village Cuglieri, steeped in intense mysticism and deep spiritual feeling. Traditions of Spanish origin dating back to centuries past combine with local religious customs to shape rites, processions and collective pageants of great expressive impact and fascination.

The week begins with sas Prammas, the procession of Palm Sunday. In the following days, various moments from the Passion of Christ are represented through special rituals or processions and Good Friday is devoted to the "Death of Christ". In many towns, the most solemn moments are the ones dedicated to the "Mystery" or to s'Iscravamentu, the act by which the nails from Christ’s hands and feet are removed, then the statue is placed in a coffin and carried in procession.
A great explosion of joy is the main characteristic of Easter Sunday, when austerity gives way to the celebrations of the Resurrection. Applauding, giving away flowers and playing or singing accompany the statue of the risen Christ meeting with that of the Madonna. After the procession, people wish each other “Buona Pasqua” (Happy Easter) and go back home to share a traditional meal with the rest of the family.

Usually, people come to Cuglieri from all over to follow these rites, this year though, will be very different with empty streets…

Please enjoy some pictures from previous years.