The procession of the Candlesticks is a popular religious ritual that holds a very important place in the traditions of the city. The main authorities of this festival are the “Gremi” (Craft Guilds), but also the people who participate by following the procession.

In 2013 this event was recognized by UNESCO as a world intangible cultural heritage.

The focus of this solemn religious ceremony is focused on the giant candlesticks, the music played by the people following the procession and the “li betti”, colored ribbons that adorn the candlesticks. The Gremi, dressed in traditional garb, walk in front and open the path for the Descent of the Candlesticks that on the night of the 14th of August are taken from Piazza Castello to the Church of Santa Maria of Betlem, where a sacred vow to the Madonna dell’Assunta is released.  It is said that this sacred figure saved the city from a plague that periodically struck Sassari in ancient times.

The origin of the festival of Candlesticks comes from the period of Pisan domination. Since the 13th century, the offer of candlesticks to the Madonna di Mezz’Agosto has been made by the Corporations of Craftsmen of Sassari. Originally, the wax was brought in boxes of wood that eventually took the shape of columns.  Currently the Candlesticks don’t exceed four hundred kilograms each. There are three parts: the upper part has a flag with the name of the Obriere of the candlestick. Colored ribbons hanging from the top are unfurled by the children of the Gremio. The stem of the candlestick is three meters high, with a diameter of forty centimeters and is carved with the image of the patron saint and the symbols of the gremio. The box on the lower part is furnished with four poles that provide spaces for eight men to carry it.

At the Descent of the Candlesticks eleven Gremi take part in the Festival.

• Gremio of the Butchers (since 2016 - during the year the candlestick is located in the Church of Santissima Trinità)
• Gremio of the Blacksmiths (during the year the candlestick is located in the Chapel of Saint’Eligio in the Duomo of S. Nicola)
• Gremio of the Stonemasons (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of the Madonna della Salute in the Church of Santa Maria of Betlem)
• Gremio of the Wayfarer (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of the Beata Vergine del Buoncammino in the Church of Sant’Agostino)
• Gremio of the Farmers (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of San Giovanni Battista in the Church of Santa Maria of Betlem)
• Gremio of the Carpenters (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of San Giuseppe da Copertino in che Church of Santa Maria of Betlem)
• Gremio of the Greengrocers (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of the Madonna of Valverde in the Church of Santa Maria of Betlem)
• Gremio of the Shoemakers (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of Santa Lucia in the Duomo of San Nicola)
• Gremio of the Tailors (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of the Madonna of Monserrat in the Church of Santa Maria of Betlem)
• Gremio of the Bricklayers (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of the Madonna degli Angeli in the Church of Santa Maria in Betlem)
• Gremio of the Massai (during the year the candlestick is located in the chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie in the sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie in the Church of San Pietro in Silki)

Here is the programme of the events which will be held during this week:

4 August

Procession of the "Small Candelieri"

11 August

h.  20.00

Piazza sant'Antonio

Free barbecue, folk music and concert

12 August

h.  21.00

Piazza santa Caterina

Concert for the Candelieri - Banda Musicale Luigi Canepa

13 August

h.  20.00

Piazza santa Caterina

CANDELIERE D’ORO, D’ARGENTO, DI BRONZO E SPECIALE

Prize-giving ceremony

14 August

h. 10.00

Old town center

“LA VESTIZIONE DEI CANDELIERI”

“Preparing the Candelieri”

Visit to the guild headquarters with the Aiò Fun Train

> ore 18.00

City center starting from Piazza Castello

DISCESA DEI CANDELIERI

Procession of the Candelieri

15 August

h. 11.00

Church of Santa Maria in Betlem

SANTA MESSA IN ONORE DELL’ASSUNTA

Holy Mass in honour of the Blessed Virgin

> ore 18.45

City center starting from San Nicola Cathedral

Solemn procession in honour of the Blessed Virgin

16 August

> h. 21.00

Platamona

Fireworks display and concerts