Sito istituzionale del Comune di Sassari

The descent of the Candelieri or faradda
14 august 2014

THE HISTORY OF THE CANDELIERI

The descent of the Candelieri or faradda (as it is normally
called by the people of Sassari), is an event that incorporates the
spirit and traditions of Sassari. The origins date back to the
second half of the 13th century, when the city was under Pisan
domination: the tradition of offering a candle to the Madonna on the
eve of the Assumption was imported from Pisa.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, after numerous plagues hit the town,
this practice took on the form of a religious vow thanks to the
guilds (the ancient trade and craft corporations) and the town
authorities. Ten large wooden candles were offered (a decree dating
to 1531 regulated the entrance of the candelieri to the church of
Santa Maria). The tradition has been kept alive over the centuries
by the guilds, which have kept up the vow to this day.

THE PROTAGONISTS THE GUILDS

The current members are the descendants of the founders of ancient associations,
founded in the medieval following the example of the most important towns of
Italy and Spain. Between the 16th and the 17th centuries their statutes were
laid down and they obtained a chapel for the celebration of the religious rites.
The most important figures of the guilds are the Obrieri (Obriere maggiore and
Obriere di Candeliere) whose job it is to carry the standard. Both are nominated
on the day of the patron saint.