The richness of Sardinian cultural tradition comes to life in its religious and popular festivals: each municipality has more than one, spectacular to varying degrees. Always present in these Sardinian festivities are the splendid traditional costumes (each town or village has its own), fearless horsemen, flower-decked oxen and carts (traccas), dances and songs to the music of the launeddas, poetry competitions in the Sardinian language (sa limba).

A leading role is also played by the varied, delicious traditional foods and by collective toasts. Each Sardinian festivity reflects an ancient vow or the celebration of farming and pastoral calendar events, and involves the whole community.

In the unrivalled feast of Sant'Efisio (Cagliari,1 May, the 350th edition was held in 2006), the best-loved saint of the island, a great procession takes place over a bed of rose petals, with horsemen and costume groups from more that 80 Sardinian municipalities: a great, unforgettable tapestry tracing the popular culture of Sardinia.

Amongst the most heartfelt anniversaries celebrated in southern Sardinia are those of S. Antonio Abate and S. Sebastiano (16/17 January): with great bonfires in the squares (is Fogaronis), music and Sardinian dishes round the fires, all night through.

Bonfires and night-time festivities also for S. Giovanni Battista (24 June), patron saint of the shepherds.

Processions, costume dances and food and wine events are held in honour of patron saints on various dates, the most common being: S. Isidoro, patron saint of the farmers (15 May); S. Maria (8 September); N. Signora della Neve (5 August); S. Barbara, patron saint of the miners (December & July).

Many of the summer festivities blend with the return on holiday of the emigrants. A showcase of food and handicraft products are those feasts running the whole flavour gamut, from wild asparagus to saffron.