The procession opens with the traditional �traccas� which are carts pulled by oxen decorated with small rugs, flowers and utensils or tools. Folk groups from eight different Sardinian provinces, knights and militia. The third guard, alternos (who originally represented the Viceroy but today takes the Mayor�s place) and, finally, the Guardiania - the guards -all march in the parade. The golden carriage along with the statue of Sant'Efisio is preceded by the members of the brotherhood dressed in penitential clothing. Thousands of colours add to the whole atmosphere to a very intense morning inspired by deep faith. Sounds of the �launeddas� accompany the slow and rhythmical walk of the saint along with the throwing of red, pink and yellow rose petals that cover Via Roma with the typical �ramadura� (throwing of flowers). After the city procession, on the first afternoon, the procession leaves the city and stops in the fishing village of Giorgino in the small church dedicated to the saint where his clothing is removed and is dressed with humbler country clothing. There are a number of stops along the way before reacing his place of martyrdom: Capoterra, Sarroch, Villa San Pietro, Pula and finally to Nora where a crowd gathers to celebrate and sing the traditional �goccius�. Having arrived in Nora the saint is placed in a small church on the beach where it can be cherished by the followers during the many holy masses. On May 3rd the saint is taken along Nora beach to revisit the places of his martyrdom. Src:http://www.sardegnaturismo.it/index.php?xsl=108&s=6490&v=2&c=3207&c1=&t=1
The procession opens with the traditional �traccas� which are carts pulled by oxen decorated with small rugs, flowers and utensils or tools. Folk groups from eight different Sardinian provinces, knights and militia. The third guard, alternos (who originally represented the Viceroy but today takes the Mayor�s place) and, finally, the Guardiania - the guards -all march in the parade. The golden carriage along with the statue of Sant'Efisio is preceded by the members of the brotherhood dressed in penitential clothing. Thousands of colours add to the whole atmosphere to a very intense morning inspired by deep faith. Sounds of the �launeddas� accompany the slow and rhythmical walk of the saint along with the throwing of red, pink and yellow rose petals that cover Via Roma with the typical �ramadura� (throwing of flowers). After the city procession, on the first afternoon, the procession leaves the city and stops in the fishing village of Giorgino in the small church dedicated to the saint where his clothing is removed and is dressed with humbler country clothing. There are a number of stops along the way before reacing his place of martyrdom: Capoterra, Sarroch, Villa San Pietro, Pula and finally to Nora where a crowd gathers to celebrate and sing the traditional �goccius�. Having arrived in Nora the saint is placed in a small church on the beach where it can be cherished by the followers during the many holy masses. On May 3rd the saint is taken along Nora beach to revisit the places of his martyrdom. Src:http://www.sardegnaturismo.it/index.php?xsl=108&s=6490&v=2&c=3207&c1=&t=1