The 19 most important events in Sardinia in 2023

Just by pronouncing the word "Sardinia" we can imagine beautiful nature, breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear seas and heavenly beaches. Sardinia, however, has much more to offer than its natural beauty: the culture, history and traditions of Sardinia have ancient origins, deep-rooted in its territory.

Every corner of this beautiful island, from inland to coastal villages, preserves unique and precious creeds and customs that cannot wait to be discovered. Let's explore the heart of this land in order to discover the local wonders and the 19 most important events in Sardinia: from music to food, from tradition to folklore, from art to natural heritage, from religious to sport events.

Domos Abbeltas is the most important event in the village of Luras, Gallura. It is similar to the famous Cortes Apertas in Barbagia. It sees various 'domos' (houses) in the centre of the village open their doors to host a two-day event dedicated to local culture and traditions. The protagonists are food and wine and the best of handicrafts and art, and there will be no lack of side events. The event takes place every year in the middle of June, between the end of the spring and the beginning of summertime.

The charming event Cavart - Extrazioni Culturali takes place in June in the beautiful former quarry of Su Giardinu in Monteleone Rocca Doria: an event organized to enhance the territory and the Sardinian tradition of blues music. During these warm days you will be able to attend an all-around musical journey that ranges from traditional Sardinian choirs to indie experiments.

The Sagra della Cipolla (Onion Festival) of Banari is an event inspired by criteria of sustainability and enhancement of the value of the territory, both for the products sold and for the structures that host the exhibition. Among the streets of Banari you can taste the typical dishes based on onions (but not only!), by attending culinary competitions and by participating in folkloric musical events. The onions of Banari are big, sweet and tasty, a real delicacy you really must try!

The Ciogghitta d'Oro is one of the most representative events of Sassari's folklore: for more than ten years this extremely original event attracts tourists and locals in the city squares to witness the "sucking of snails". During these days you can attend competitions of "succidatura" (sucking) of the delicious gastropod and taste the traditional dishes in a context of popular festival with dialect music and theatre performances.

The town of Uri isn’t far from Alghero and from the famous tourist location Porto Torres, is a delightful settlement rich in charm and history. Since 1700 Uri has been known for its artichoke production and today the Sagra del Carciofo (Artichoke Festival) generates a sense of belonging in the community and also an important tourist attraction that allows the village to show up all over the word for its enogastronomic traditions. During the event you can attend dances and songs of the Urese tradition, folk groups, parades in traditional clothes and guided tours to discover historical wonders such as the Nuraghe of Santa Cadrina and the ancient washhouse.

The Premio Maria Carta (Maria Carta Award) intends to enhance not only the value of local artists, but also of scholars, researchers, associations, companies and all kinds of excellence in the territory. This cultural event is more important because it takes place one year in Siligo and another year in a national or European location. This helps promote Sardinia's historical and cultural heritage outside the island.

If you want to attend a real traditional Sardinian religious event you cannot miss the Festa della Beata Vergine della Difesa (Feast of the Blessed Virgin of Défense): a procession will carry the simulacrum of Holy Mary to the sea, which will be loaded onto a fleet of boats of Stintino fishermen. They will lay a laurel wreath at sea in honor of those killed at sea during the Second World War. During this event, each inhabitant of the village will become a spokesperson for an ancient religious tradition closely linked to the area's identity.

To accompany you with joy from summer to autumn, the city of Alghero organizes this unmissable event in which various artists will perform in theatrical acts, sporting events and music for the whole family. Alghero dresses up to celebrate its patron saint with the annual Sant Miquel Festival, an event not to be missed!

The Festival del Turismo Itinerante (Festival of Itinerant Tourism) is a wonderful example of experiential tourism: the whole area of northwest Sardinia becomes the scene of events that involve tourists in first person with recreational, sports and natural activities. In the magnificent setting of an autumn-coloured Sardinia, you can try activities such as trekking, cycling, archery, kayaking, educational workshops such as the construction of traditional Sardinian games, guided tours and much more.

In its dual denomination 'di Gallura DOCG' and 'di Sardegna', Vermentino represents one of the most extraordinary excellences among local productions. The Benvenuto Vermentino (Welcome Vermentino) event, which will take place in Olbia from October 2 to 8 2023, aims to promote the true king of Gallura and its production territories. Each year, the event opens with the Technical Tasting and then continues with shows, workshops, food and wine tastings, etc. 

The Premio Eno-Letterario Vermentino (Vermentino Enoliterary Prize) is one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events in Northern Sardinia. Scheduled for October 2023 in Olbia, it is a prize conceived by the Sassari Chamber of Commerce and will feature Italian novels and short stories regarding the world of wine.