Pubblicato venerdì, 30 novembre 2007
Ultimo aggiornamento domenica, 22 giugno 2008

Traditions

Music and dances

The yearly festivities of the Seneghesi were based on an agrarian calendar, where every agrarian event was accompanied by a party.

The carnevale in Seneghe has its traditional dance, called “sos balloso in sa parza” (dances in the square), characterized by a series of rules which each dancer must obey during the whole carnevale.

The music for the dances has changed over the years: the accordion, also called “su sonette”, is used today and appeared in 1904. Before then music was produced by singing (“su ballu e cantidu”), and instruments built from reed canes found locally. The most historically common intruments were ones that consisted of a series of canes called “su sonu de canna”, a larger one similar to a recorder that was called “su pipaiolu”, and a drum that was called “su tumbariu”. Also, “su sonu de canna” was played by the same person for secular events in the main square (Piazza dei Balli) and religious events in the church. Singing has remained as accompaniment to the dances even after the arrival of the accordion, and the Piazza dei Balli is still the site of performing choruses, called “sos cuntrattos”.

In Seneghe, singing and dancing are very important and the styles are unique in Sardinia. The a cappella groups stand out because the bass comes from the deep in the throat. In order to form the so-called “cuntrattu”, four voices are needed: sa oghe, su bassu, sa contra e sa mesaoghe. Several choruses from Seneghe are very successful and perform in many Sardinian festivals.

There are also other musicians in Seneghe, such as Janas, who are a group of nine male performers now famous even in the mainland. They have produced many records. Finally, there is also a polyphonic chorus, called “Ars Antiqua” conducted by maestro Costantino Mirai.
Without any doubt, singing and dancing are an integral part of the historic and cultural patrimony of Seneghe, and are forms of art that are a source of pride for its citizens.

Festivities
Seneghe boast a long history of a tradition of festivities and events throughout the year. Many of these events are related to religous celebrations, that are often accompanied by secular festivities. Other cultural initiatives and events are organized by community centres and municipal institutions.

January
San Sebastiano is the patron Saint of Seneghe and is celebrated on January 20th. On this day the seneghese’s carnevale commences, and continues until Mardi Gras. Every Sunday of the carnevale, in Piazza dei Balli – known as Partz’è sos ballos – there are evening dances with traditional costumes. In Piazza dei Balli on the morning of Mardi Gras there is a dance called Sas Danzas, that has a very dynamic and fascinating choreography, which is unique in its style.

June
Sant’Antonio di Padova is celebrated on June 13th. A little church inside the town is dedicated to this Saint.

July
Santa Maria della Rosa is celebrated July 2nd. There is a little church in honour of this Saint in town and the celebrations are three days long. After the religious celebration and procession, horsemen run laps within the parvis around the church, which are called ardia, (see the pictures).
Rigth after santa Maria, on July 3rd, Santa Elisabetta is celebrated.

August
In August 31st, San Raimondo is celebrated.

September
During the first three days of September, the Association Perda Sonadora organizes three days of poetry, literature and arts. These days are dedicated to artists who are hosted in Seneghe, and are acompanied by poetry readings art shows and other exhibitions. You can follow the events and download the annual program from the official website: www.settembredeipoeti.it

November
During the last week of November there is an event called Prentzas Apertas (Open house for the olive oil mills). The old olive oil mills still in town are opened to visitors, and in each location several products are displayed, sometimes together with entertainment such as music, singing, videos and exhibitions. Every visitor is welcomed with bruschette covered with delicious olive oil from Seneghe and a good glass of wine.

Other events

National Award Montiferru of Seneghe
This is a competion dedicated to extravirgin Italian olive oil, where the goal is to recognize the best quality. The examination is carried out by a national jury of olive oil sommeliers and ends with the awarding of prizes in the Casa Aragonese. The program and the dates change every year so it is necessary to refer to the program that will be published before the event.