Mamoiada

Mamoiada is one of the most known town of Barbagie. The territory is characterized by numerous sheep and cow flocks, but also by vineyards (mostly Cannonau). Mamoiada is famous for Mamuthones and Issokadores, traditional wooden masks that animate the carnival time, which altogether with other traditional Mediterranean masks are exposed at the “Museo delle Maschere mediterranee” (you cannot miss it!). Apart from the masks creation, the local craftsmen’s ability in wood working is also evident in the production of elaborate Sardinian chests and other wooden objects.

The murals are also very interesting, and constitute an attraction in common with the other towns of Barbagie. The evening of the 16th January is a remarkable date for the festivity of Sant' Antonio Abate: bonfires ("sa tuva ", in the local dialect) are lit in several points of the towns with enormous logs, that stay ignited until the 18th January at dawn. Every bonfire is organized by the different quarters inhabitants, that offer to the visitors high quality wine, typical sweets, cheese and bread. People happily sing and dance until the morning lights. On this recurrence, the Mamuthones and Issokadores officially appear for the first time of the year, making a stop in every bonfires.

Very beautiful is also the late-Medieval church of Nostra Signora di Loreto, and next to Mamoiada the sanctuary of Santi Cosma and Damiano, probably the most ancient in Barbagie (VII century A.D.). On the inner walls, it is possible to admire 14 tiles in enamelled ceramic, representing the Stations of the Cross "Via Crucis": made in Spain, during the second half of the 1700. Outside are the Cumbessias that from centuries accommodate pilgrims, especially those going to the sanctuary in summer. Here, at the end of September are held the festivities in honour of the two Saints.