Mamoiada Carnival, Italy
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Content of this article
What is the Carnival of Mamoiada?
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Carnivals in the Sardinia region are quite fascinating, archaic and unique festivities where they are celebrated with masks, rituals, bonfires and dances. The carnival of Mamoiada is one of those carnivals, being one of the most popular in the region. The tradition features two types of characters or masks: the Mamuthones and the Issohadores. These characters roam the streets on carnival days.
The two main characters in these carnivals are the Mamuthones and the Issohadores who have different costumes and masks.
The Mamuthones
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They carry dark sheepskin costumes, bells attached to their costume, and an eerie black mask with pronounced features.
The Issohadores
are people dressed in hats, white pants, red vests and white masks with fine features.
During the festivities they hold evening and daytime events, gathering in the main square to dance traditional dances known as “su passu torràu“, “sàrtiu” and “su dillu” to the beat of the harmonica and the accordion. Hundreds of tourists visit the town to be part of these very atypical carnivals, in which the locals and carnival organizers include tourists, not simply as spectators, but as active participants, dancing and partying side by side with the locals.
During the Mamoiada carnivals participants wear Mamuthones masks and costumes
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When is the Mamoiada Carnival?
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The carnivals of Mamoidad always begin on January 17, the day of San Antonio and last until Ash Wednesday. The events take place in the main square of the town where participants dance typical dances and play traditional music.
Mamoiada Carnival History
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The origin of this very particular carnival is somewhat unknown, although there are several theories relating where it may have arisen from. It is believed that carnivals from an anthropological point of view reflect the cycle of life and death that takes place in nature through the passage of time, although it could equally be some kind of ritual to ward off evil spirits. In addition, it is also considered a fertility rite. It is also believed to be a way of celebrating the victory of the Sardinians against the Arabs..
Although the beginning of the tradition is somewhat confusing, difficult to explain or even uncertain, it is a tradition that has been carried on for hundreds of years and that today is stronger than ever.
Where is the Carnival of Mamoiada?
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These carnivals take place in the locality of Mamoiada, in the province of Nuoro on the island of Sardinia. The carnivals take place in the plaza Santa Croce and main streets of the town.
Mamuthones and Issohadores in the square to celebrate the typical dances in the carnivals of Mamoiada
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How the Mamoiada Carnival is celebrated
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Mamoiada carnivals feature a large number of main and secondary events. Some of the main events are the meeting of groups of carnival traditions, as well as processions and parades in the main square, traditional dances and live music. However, there are also some events held during the week of the Mamoiada carnival, some of those are parades and recreational activities for children and exhibitions of photographic material and cultural demonstrations..
The parade of Mamuthones and Issohadores masks is one of the most anticipated, when the people participating are arranged in two rows made up of12 Mamuthones and 8 Issohadores. The Mamuthones dance at a slow pace, shaking the bells attached to their costumes and the Issohadores set the rhythm of the dance. This ceremony takes place in the plaza Santa Croce where bonfires are also placed. At the end of the evening wine and sweets are given to those who attend.
During the celebration there is also a parade called Juvane Martis Sero which consists of a parade of a puppet that goes around the city. This ritual is known as one of the stages that brings the carnivals to an end. The celebrations culminate with a masked party and the “pentolaccia” which functions as a kind of piñata.
Tips for going to the Carnival of Mamoiada
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You should know that during these carnivals it is rude to refuse invitations offered to dance, drink or eat, so, if you wish to attend this carnival, keep in mind that you will have to participate in the events they organize so as not to be seen as disrespectful. Also, we recommend you to click on the following image so you can find the best lodging options in Mamoiada.
If you want to know more about tourism in this country I recommend this guide:.
Events at Mamoiada Carnival
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The events that take place during theMamoiada Carnival are the typical dances. There are also some parades and activities aimed at children, poetry, photographic displays, bonfires and live traditional music.
The Issohadores are iconic white masked characters of the carnival of Mamoiada
Mamoiada Carnival Parades
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The parade with more importance is when the Mamuthones and Issohadores take the streets in groups of 12 Mamuthones and 8 Issohadores where the Mamuthones dance slowly ringing the bells they bring in their costumes and the Issohadores marking the rhythm of the music. It is one of the most awaited activities since it symbolizes the awakening of nature; however, it is also considered a ritual to fend off evil..
Parade route
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Schedule of the Mamoiada Carnival Routes and Events
Most of the Mamoiada carnival events are held in Piazza Santa Croce. However, there are other events and parades that take place in the streets of the town.
Pane frattau is typical food of the region
What to eat at the Carnival of Mamoiada
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During the Mamoiada Carnival, certain typical products of the region are consumed and drunk. One of the most distinctive dishes is the pane frattau which consists of a dish with a very thin bread dipped in tomato sauce, pecorino cheese and egg. It is also consumed a wine of the region made with a kind of grape known as cannonau..
If you want to go to taste the local gastronomy, you can visit the local La Rossa Enoteca, a wine bar where you can try different wines, cheeses, meats and traditional breads. You can also visit Ristorante Sa Rosada or Il Ritrovo where local and regional food is offered.
The cannonau is a typical wine of the Mamoiada region
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Travel Insurance
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From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend hiring a good insurance to visit this carnival and know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:
What to see and do inside the Mamoiada Carnival
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If you decide to go to the Mamoiada Carnival, keep in mind that you can expect to take part in its festivities. There is a great list of things to do, you can take part in the traditional dances, see the exhibitions of pieces of art and photographic material or attend the main parade with the Mamuthones and Issohadores.
What to see and do outside the Mamoiada Carnival
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The town of Mamoiada is very rooted to its origins, culture and history so there are tourist attractions that we recommend you if you are interested in this kind of topics.
The Museum of Mediterranean Masks
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This museum was constituted with the intention of providing a contact with the culture and the traditions of the locality. Here you can appreciate the different types of masks and the historical and cultural representation of each one of them.
Museo della Cultura e del Lavoro
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This museum fulfills the fundamental task of making known the traditions, culture and history of the locality of Mamoiada. Here you can appreciate the differenttraditional garments and the physical heritage of the Mamoiada culture.
Sa Perda Pinta
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It is a rock that has become an archaeological icon of the entire region of Sardinia. The stone is engraved with different circles and domes of possible religious and symbolic expressions. The images present on the rocks are studied to discover more about the origins of the locality.
Safety at the Mamoiada Carnival
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You can travel to Mamoiada safely, as the island of Sardinia is considered one of the safest regions in the entire nation. It is an excellent place to plan your next carnivals. However, it is always a good idea to keep your personal items and valuables stored in a safe place. Also, nwe recommend the following products to keep your valuables safe:
Mamoiada Carnival Weather
The temperature during the Mamoiada carnival ranges between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius. During carnival the weather is somewhat warm with little chance of precipitation.
The Mamuthones are characteristic characters of the carnivals of Mamoiada
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How to get to Mamoiada Carnival
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How to get there by plane
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The closest airport to Mamoiada is Olbia Airport, yet it is more than 60 kilometers away. From the airport you can reach the town by different means of transport.
By bus
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If you are coming from Nuoro, take bus line 302, the trip takes 19 minutes.
If you come from Cagliari, you must take bus tura 9342, however, the journey is 3 hours.
How to arrive by ferry
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If you come from other locations outside Sardinia, book your trip with a ferry that arrives to Arbatax, from there you take the means of transport of your choice to reach Mamoiada.
From Arbatax you can go by bus using lines 303, 305 and 9130.
How to get there by car
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From Arbatax you can take the SP27 highway and the 389var di Buddusò e del Correboi.
If you arrive at Olbia Airport, you can take Strada Statale 131 Diramazione Centrale Nuorese until you reach Mamoiada.
Where to stay at Mamoiada Carnival
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Accommodation in the area is somewhat scarce, the nearest hotel to Mamoiada is 5 km from the center. The closest lodgings are some houses and Bed and Breakfast in the locality.
Sa ‘E Jana
Hotel 5 km from the town. It has 2 stars and has a restaurant where you can enjoy free breakfast. Rooms have TV and private bathrooms.
S’Ortensia
Bed and breakfast 250 m from the city center. It has a garden and free internet. The rooms have garden view and TV. The bathroom is shared.
B&B Villa Barone
Bed and breakfast 400 meters from the center of the village. It offers accommodation with terrace or balcony, free internet and TV in the rooms. It has a shared lounge and a garden.
We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.
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