Corpo Pagina
At dawn on May 4th, after the celebration of the Holy Mass, Sant’Efisio leaves Pula for the journey that will bring him back to his church in Stampace in Cagliari. The Saint covers the same stages of the outward journey, but much more quickly; late in the evening he arrives in Giorgino, where he wears his city clothes, jewels and precious ex-votos again and gets back on his chariot.
At the gates of the city of Cagliari Sant’Efisio is welcomed by thousands of faithful, who waited until late at night in viale La Plaia: the official status and the splendour of the Calendimaggio ceremony leave space for a soberer and discreet celebration, in the name of faith and devotion, made suggestive by the slow pace of the night procession in the light of the torches. But those who honour the return of the Saint are above all the inhabitants of Stampace, pouring numerous into the streets around the churches of Sant’Efisio and Sant’Anna. After the parade of numerous groups in traditional dress who sing the ancient Rosary in Sardinian language and the arrival of the Militians and then of the Guardiania, finally appears the chariot of the Saint, which is placed in the centre of the church dedicated to him. In the end, after the Eucharistic blessing, the President of the Archconfraternity declares the Festival officially ended by pronouncing the ancient formula: “Most illustrious Mr. Alter nos, Reverend Mr. Dean, you can report to the Civic Council and the Metropolitan Chapter that the vote has been fulfilled. Atrus annus!”.
Gabriele Demurtas
translation by:
Gabriele Demurtas, Giusy Pitzeri
Ph. by: Giuliano Spiga
