WTI Magazine #55    2015 March, 6
Author : folclore.it      Translation by:

The most renowned Carnival in Sardinia is Mamoiada's, one of the oldest in the region and, for Mamoiada, there is no carnival without Mamuthones. Who are them? Mamuthones and Issohadores are the protagonists of the carnival of this town and also are a symbol of celebration, happiness and auspicious. Playing an ancient rite, after the solemn investiture and "transformation", they seriously parade through the streets of the city making a sort of dance, on parallel rows, bent under the weight of the cowbells.

The two characters, "complementary, inseparable and unmistakable", represent mysterious "animal-gods". The Issahadores interact with the surrounding crowd in sudden outbursts with which they capture women and friends with the "sa soha", a rattan woven rope. Mamuthones instead are bound to silence and cannot interact with the people.

Another particular moment is the appointment with the typical dances in Piazza Santa Croce: here, among others, the "dance Tundu" is done, accompanied by Sardinian organists.

The Mamoiada carnival actually ends with the "sas Padedda", the piñata, with surprise packages hidden in the pots to be broken.

This carnival is very particular, an appointment where ancient pagan traditions relive every year with intensity, thanks to the love and passion of the locals.