A day of pride and tradition
“Sa die de sa Sardigna,” or “The Sardinian people’s day,” is a highly significant celebration for the island and its people. Celebrated every year on April 28th, this day commemorates a crucial historical event for Sardinia’s identity and collective consciousness. It is a moment of pride, celebration, and reflection on the history, culture, and identity of the region.
Sardinia is the land that will host our retreat in September. It was only fitting to dedicate a drawing class to it!
This month’s article is dedicated to one of the most heartfelt festivals of the Sardinian people, aimed at commemorating an act of rebellion and freedom.
Origins and History
“Sa die de sa Sardigna” is the celebration of the Sardinian people that recalls the so-called “Vespri Sardi,” the popular uprising of April 28th, 1794, which resulted in the expulsion of the Piedmontese and Viceroy Balbiano from Cagliari following the refusal of the Turin government to meet the demands of the island, which was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
The Sardinians demanded a share of civil and military employments and greater autonomy from the decisions of the local ruling class.
The Piedmontese government refused to entertain any requests, so the city’s bourgeoisie, with the help of the rest of the population, unleashed the insurrection.
The rebellion had begun in the 1780s and continued in the 1790s, spreading throughout the island. The reasons were both political and economic.
The popular discontent was also due to Sardinia’s involvement in the war of revolutionary France against the European states and, therefore, against Piedmont. In 1793, a French fleet had attempted to seize the island, landing in Carloforte and subsequently insisting in Cagliari.
However, the Sardinians resisted with all means to defend their land and the Piedmontese who then dominated Sardinia. This resistance to the French had excited spirits, so recognition and reward were expected from the Savoy government for the loyalty shown to the Crown.
The spark that ignited the protest was the viceroy’s arrest of two leaders of the patriotic party, the Cagliari lawyers Vincenzo Cabras and Efisio Pintor.
We are precisely on April 28th, 1794: the enraged population decided to expel Viceroy Balbiano and all the Piedmontese from the city, who were forcibly embarked and sent back to their region in May of that year. Encouraged by the events in Cagliari, the inhabitants of Alghero and Sassari did the same.
Traditions and Rituals
“Sa die de sa Sardigna” was established in 1993, with the aim of remembering the courage and sacrifice of the Sardinian ancestors, who fought for the freedom of their people.
Even today, “Sa die de sa Sardigna” continues to play a significant role in Sardinia’s cultural and social life, offering a moment of reflection and celebration for the Sardinian people.
The festival represents an important opportunity to preserve and promote Sardinia’s unique cultural identity. Through events such as parades, traditional songs, dances, and processions, Sardinians celebrate their history and roots, passing down traditions to the younger generations and strengthening their sense of community belonging. The streets are adorned with Sardinian flags, and the inhabitants wear traditional costumes to take part in the celebrations
“Sa die de sa Sardigna” remains a cornerstone of Sardinia’s social, cultural, and historical life. The festival not only celebrates the island’s glorious past but also serves as a springboard for a future of prosperity, solidarity, and growth for the entire Sardinian people.
A Sardinian Session
For our upcoming online session dedicated to Sardinian artists, I decided to do some research on the web and share with you what I found.
Sardinia is not only a place rich in breathtaking landscapes and generous people. It is also a land full of history and it is right that it should be remembered and celebrated.
If you are curious to learn more about “Sa die de sa Sardigna”, I invite you to search for more information on the web. You will also find articles written in the Sardinian language!
The online drawing class will take place on May 2nd, from 7 to 9 pm (London time) and will feature two models. Alongside me will be Frafro, a native Sardinian, who will pose using some fabrics taken from traditional Sardinian costumes.
It will certainly be a memorable class.
We look forward to seeing you there!
