Sédilo is a large picturesque town in the center of the Sardinia, located near Lake Omedeo, an important water reserve. The economic activity of this village of some 2,500 souls is mainly oriented towards breeding, mainly sheep. Although located not far from a highway that crosses the island from west to east and leads to Nuoro and the Gulf of Orosei, it is not very frequented by tourists except in early July on the occasion of the festival of San Costantino.
San Costantino
The originality of this "saint" is that he is not officially recognized as such by the Church, but he is venerated in Sardinia, San Costantino is the Roman emperor who converted and led to the adhesion to Christianity.
In Sédilo, as in all of Barbagia, traditions of honor are important and respected. It is on the territory of this village that takes place one of the oldest demonstrations Sardinians of religious inspiration, the Ardia, a horse race which is run not for a monetary prize or any other reward but for honor, for fame or for a wish. The men of the village must register well in advance to participate and have the honor of carrying the flag and riding in the lead before confronting each other.
The start of the race is given in an enclosure, near a small church which is next to the village. The riders must, bridle down, go back to the village to reach the place of the church. But where it gets complicated is that you have to enter through a stone arch. Some years it is not uncommon for accidents to occur causing injuries or even the death of some competitors. But whoever arrives first is celebrated as a hero, the name of his family is honored and respected. This festival brings a lot of people and is famous throughout Sardinia and far beyond.
The walls of Sédilo are adorned with numerous murals that celebrate this event.
