Carnival of Cuglieri

Discover

In Sardinia, the town of Cuglieri nestled in the historic region of Montiferru, in the province of Oristano, offers a Carnival experience steeped in Dionysian rituals and enriched by the presence of unique traditional masks called Sos Cotzulados.
For root tourists eager to immerse themselves in Sardinian culture and history, the Cuglieri Carnival presents a unique opportunity to connect with authentic local traditions.

The parades also involve local music groups such as the “Su Cuncordu” choir and dancers in traditional costumes, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. During Carnival, the streets of the town are filled with color, music and fun, offering a unique experience enriched by Sardinia’s rich history and culture.
Cuglieri Carnival celebrations often include events such as costume contests, parades of elaborately decorated floats, and performances by local folk groups. Masks worn during Carnival often have symbolic meanings and represent traditional characters from Sardinian culture.

The festival is also an opportunity to enjoy local culinary specialties including the famous Panadas and participate in traditional dances, creating a unique bond between the community and its cultural roots.

Sos Cotzulados

The face of Sos Cotzulads and dyed with yellow ochre color that represented mourning. On their foreheads they wear a single horn, the meaning of which is still uncertain to this day; the most convincing hypothesis is the one that identifies it with a cornucopia, or horn symbolizing abundance. The mask of the Cotzulados was rediscovered in relatively recent years, following the discovery and studies of a 1773 text written by Jesuit friar Bonaventura Licheri who visited Cuglieri on the feast of St. Anthony the Abbot, Jan. 17; in his book “Deus ti salvet Maria,” he describes precisely the Cuglieri carnival procession and the typical traditional masks and in particular the horn tied on the forehead. Unlike that of other countries, which are laden with animal bones, an indispensable element in visibly representing the cycle of death and rebirth, the masks of Cuglieri, on the other hand, seem to be devoid of bones; Bonaventure speaks of shells, hence the name Cotzulados.

The Carnival of Cuglieri is not only a festival of colors and sounds, but a celebration that goes beyond the surface, offering a journey through the deep roots of Sardinian culture.