A path of faith and culture
The celebration of Saint Efisio is represented by such a long procession. It is the longest procession in Italy and it is characterized by a path of 65 km done in four days. Furthermore, for its cultural, tourist and spiritual value, it is the most important in the Mediterranean.
On first May, at midday, the bier of Saint Efisio leaves from the Church of Stampace, on the chariot of gala, convoyed by the Arciconfraternity and by many devoted, following a clear itinerary in these streets of Cagliari: Via Azuni, Piazza Yenne, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Sassari, Piazza del Carmine, Via Crispi, Via G.M. Angioy, Via Mameli, Largo Carlo Felice. The top of the procession is represented by the arrival of the chariot to Via Roma, from the side of the town hall, where it is greeted by the sound of the launeddas and by the songs. After having crossed Via Roma and entered in Via Sassari, the procession passes through Viale La Playa and leaves the town.
Then the bier stops in the village of fishermen for a homage and comes to the Church of Giorgino for the usual change of the clothes. This step is basic. Here the Saint is vested through a suit that is plainest and less sumptuous than the previous. After having changed the clothes, the bier is transfered in another chariot.
After the joy of colours and people, the walking carries on the ancient Villa Sant’Efisio, today called Capoterra, and there is a stage in the locality of “Su Loi”, where devoted celebrate the Mass. The journey carries on and people come to the wonderful Villa d’Orri, in the holding of the Marquises Manca of Villahermosa, for the step that is culturally the most important in the whole path. It represents the only royal house present in Sardinia, surrounded by a beautiful park.
The welcome of the Saint statue happens through the eucharistic benediction and the kiss of the remains. Everything is ready to the big celebration in Sarroch, where the Saint is greeted with a big participation by all the citizens. After the celebrations, Saint Efisio is put again in the Church for spending the night.
The day after, the chariot begins again the path. The first step of the second day is Villa San Pietro. This stage has been introduced in 1943. After a celebration of a solemn Mass, the chariot leaves again: destination Nora. Before there is the passionate welcome of Pula, where there is a procession. In the late afternoon, the statue comes to the namesake Church of Nora, where it is put in the recess present inside and addressed to the Saint.
The day of third May is totally dedicated to the religious functions in the place. In the late evening, the bier is transfered again in Pula, where it will spend the night. The day of fourth May the procession comes back in Cagliari. For all day the chariot will go through the opposite road, leaving at 8:00 a.m. from the Church of Pula and coming to Cagliari after 22:00, after having done the usual stop in Giorgino for the change of the clothes.
The saint, finished the long procession, comes back in the Church, where a Mass is officiated in Latin language and the “goccius” are recited. The vow is finally released.