Every 14 August, Sassari celebrates the Descent of the Candelieri, one of Sardinia’s most important festivals and part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
During the procession, members of the historic guilds carry enormous decorated wooden candles through the old town, accompanied by drums, music, dancing and an enthusiastic crowd. The route ends at the church of Santa Maria di Betlem.
A celebration lived by the whole city
This is not simply a show for visitors. For the people of Sassari, it is a deeply felt tradition connected with a religious vow and the city’s identity. The streets fill from the afternoon and the atmosphere grows increasingly intense as evening approaches.
If you are in northern Sardinia around Ferragosto, the Candelieri offer an authentic experience and reveal a side of the island that is very different from its beaches.
