“Sardinia : sense of identity and its meaningful heritage”
Sardinia, the second largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, has always been, in the past times and modern times, depicted for its beautiful beaches, turquoise sea and the fascinating rock formation. Many travellers and writers , have extolled the beauty of its long-untouched landscapes, vibrant yet little known of, towns and villages; a mountainous interior with wonderful views of the island, pristine waterfalls and an interesting history. Rocks and mountains shaped by gale-force winds, almost as resembling as mystical beings, nonhuman nature dominates the landscape, onslaught of wildflowers that start popping up all over the place at the beginning of spring, the spectacular foliage-change that we get to witness every fall season. The various dominations that Sardinia has undergone, together with its geographical position, have contributed to the development of Sardinian culture: complex and fascinating, with original yet conservative traits, clearly visible in its people, who hand it down with pride.
What are the characteristic of people from Sardinia?
Sardinians are very welcoming people and will often go out of their way to make sure guests or tourists are well looked after, always wanting to give the best experience. Resilience is one of the biggest traits of the Sardinian people. This could be due to the large number of invasions the island has been subjected to in history. They kept their distinct identity and cultural traditions despite being challenged by invaders. Someone would describe Sardinians as lonesome, impulsive, stubborn, people of few words. One trait that most Sardinian people have in common , is their love for their land. They adore their sea, their mountains and their countryside. Sardinians have always seen how their land and their lives are intertwined, so there is a deep respect for food and a pleasurable enjoyment of it.
What is Sardinia culture like?
Sardinian culture is an irresistible mix of art, history, music, craftsmanship, food and wine, something unique that has endured. Even the dialect of this land is so characteristic that it is considered a language distinct from Italian. At the heart of Sardinian culture is a strong sense of identity and pride in one's roots, which have made Sardinia famous throughout the world. Thanks to the memory of the elderly, the customs handed down from generation to generation and the commitment of associations and institutional players, this immense heritage has come down to us. One only has to attend a popular festival, to realise how deeply rooted traditions are in Sardinian culture.
What traditions are unique to the region of Sardinia?
Traditional and designer arts and crafts form a vital spirit in Sardinia, an essential cultural component of a people that has proudly handed down knowledge and skills for centuries.
• “Canto a tenore” , or else describes as Sardinian Pastoral songs is one of the most important form of oral tradition and expressions. “Canto a tenore” has developed within the pastoral culture of Sardinia. It represents a form of polyphonic singing performed by a group of four men using four different voices called bassu, contra, boche and mesu boche.Their art of singing is very much embedded in the daily life of local communities. Often it is performed spontaneously in local bars called su zilleri, but also at more formal occasions, such as weddings, sheepshearings and religious festivities.
• Sardinian weddings are an expression of faith and authenticity, marked by ceremonies whose roots are lost in the mists of time. With the advent of Christianity, pagan traditions did not disappear but were reworked into religious practices. The boundary between past and present is transformed into an ethnographic journey that brings to life an era comprised of working the fields, a tribute to all that time has created, to what memory has preserved. A story of love and community extending beyond time.
• Costumes and traditional dresses, archaic symbols and decorations slowly reworked over thousands of years. Original and imbued with meanings, the clothes and jewels are a fusion of signs left by the succession of different cultures in Sardinia: Nuragic, Phoenician, Greek, Byzantine and Spanish. Different colours and styles from place to place, numerous souls of a mysterious and enchanting Island, but one voice for all and pride in belonging to an ancestral lineage that has passed down the art of savoir faire.
• Masks and pieces of the ancient world; the masks of Sardinia and their rituals linked to Carnival have their roots in the mists of time. While elsewhere the period preceding the awakening of nature is experienced as a moment of unanimous joy, the climate of the ‘carnivals’ here is bittersweet, just like it was originally: primordial fears, the power of Nature, death and the Afterlife, the divine and the supernatural. The masks are made of wood, carved by highly skilled ‘masters’.
• Handicrafts. We’re talking about the weaving of yarn, in the embroidery of a carpet and in the silhouette of an elegant traditional garment. A spirit ‘interlaced’ by skilled hands into a corbula of reed or rushes, it is woven into filigree, a Sardinian jewellery-making technique par excellence. The island’s light gleams in the blade of a arresoja, in the reflection of a glass product or in the deep red of a coral necklace. Its fire burns in the forging of wrought iron furnishings. The Sardinian soul lies in each stone sculpture, an archaic symbol of an ancient land.
Sardinia, a beautiful story
Sardinia is so much more than just beaches. It’s a destination famous for its ancient sites, mouthwatering cuisine and rich cultural experiences. This Mediterranean gem is a land of contrasts. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an adventurer at heart or just looking for that perfect beach, Sardinia has something unforgettable to offer and if you are a wine lover, then visiting Sardinia during late summer and early fall is like hitting the jackpot.
While you are almost guaranteed to have a blast near the beaches, you can make it a more immersive experience by heading further inland to Sardinia’s national parks, where dramatic peaks and hidden valleys await to inspire you. These places offer a glimpse into a more authentic Sardinia, where time slows down and traditions run deep. By going off-the-beaten-path, you’ll get to make your way to the mountainsides of Barbagia and you will find remote villages where locals still make pecorino the old-fashioned way. Delve deeper into the Sardinian countryside, and the hiking trails will lead you to hidden sanctuaries and ancient ruins.
Now that we’ve clued you in on some of the most amazing aspects of Sardinia, it is time to start planning your adventure with the help of our Concierge Team. If you are looking for a full immersion in the discovery of Sardinian culture, we have given you many hints that will make you appreciate an authentic population living in wonderful places and preserving millenary traditions.
Star Yacht Group can arrange any kind of tour you can imagine! Get in touch now!