Li Ucci Festival
Li Ucci Festival is a traditional Sardinian festival that takes place in the town of San Vero Milis in the province of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy. The festival is held annually on the first Sunday of May and is dedicated to Saint Vero Milis, the patron saint of the town.
The festival begins with a religious procession through the streets of the town, followed by a traditional Sardinian mass. After the mass, a series of traditional Sardinian dances are performed in the town square. The dances are accompanied by traditional Sardinian music, and the dancers wear traditional Sardinian costumes.
In addition to the traditional dances, the festival also features a number of other events, including a food fair, a craft fair, and a fireworks display. The festival is a popular tourist attraction, and thousands of people visit San Vero Milis each year to attend the festival.
History of the Festival
The origins of Li Ucci Festival are unknown, but it is believed that the festival has been held in San Vero Milis for centuries. The first recorded mention of the festival dates back to the 16th century, and it is likely that the festival has been held in the town for even longer.
The festival was originally a religious festival, and it was dedicated to Saint Vero Milis, the patron saint of the town. Over time, the festival has evolved into a more secular event, and it now features a number of non-religious events, such as the food fair, the craft fair, and the fireworks display.
The Traditional Dances
The traditional dances that are performed at Li Ucci Festival are some of the most famous and iconic dances in Sardinia. The dances are typically performed by groups of men and women, and they are accompanied by traditional Sardinian music.
The most famous of the traditional dances is the “ballo tondo,” which is a circle dance that is performed by groups of men and women. The dance is characterized by its fast tempo and its intricate steps.
Other popular traditional dances that are performed at Li Ucci Festival include the “ballo liscio,” which is a slow, waltz-like dance that is performed by couples, and the “ballo sardo,” which is a lively, polka-like dance that is performed by groups of men and women.
The Food and Craft Fairs
The food and craft fairs that are held at Li Ucci Festival are a great opportunity to sample some of the best food and crafts that Sardinia has to offer. The food fair features a wide variety of traditional Sardinian dishes, such as pasta, seafood, and cheese.
The craft fair features a variety of traditional Sardinian crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles. The crafts are made by local artisans, and they are a great way to support the local economy.
The Fireworks Display
The fireworks display that is held at Li Ucci Festival is one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Sardinia. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the middle of the town’s harbor, and they light up the sky with their vibrant colors.
The fireworks display is a grand finale to the festival, and it is a sight that is not to be missed.
Conclusion
Li Ucci Festival is a vibrant and colorful festival that is a must-see for anyone who is visiting Sardinia. The festival is a great opportunity to experience traditional Sardinian culture and to sample some of the best food and crafts that the island has to offer.
