Descent of the Candlesticks in Sassari 2025: all about the World Heritage Faradda
Every year, the city of Sassari is transformed into a vibrant theatre of faith, music and tradition with the Descent of the Candlesticksone of the most heartfelt and evocative religious festivals in Sardinia. The edition of 2025 promises to be even more special, combining history and spirituality in an engaging spectacle rooted in five hundred years of popular devotion. In this article, I will guide you to discover the Faradda of SassariI will tell you about the origins, the protagonists, the hidden meanings behind each candlestickand give you all the information you need to participate in the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025. If you love folk festivals, authentic traditions and the intangible cultural heritage of mankind, read on: it is really worth it.
What is Sassari's Descent of the Candlesticks and why is it so special?
La Descent of the Candlestickscalled in Sassari dialect Faradda di li Candareriis a votive procession held every year in Sassari on 14 Auguston the eve of the Feast of the Assumption. It is a collective ritual in which large wooden columns, called candlestickscarried on the shoulders of groups called gremithe ancient guilds of arts and crafts. Each candlestick represents a craft, a tradition, an identity.
What makes this celebration unique is its blend of the sacred and the profane, of spirituality and spectacle. It is an event capable of involving the entire city of Sassarifrom families to tourists, from religious people to young people in search of authentic emotions. Since 2013, the Faradda was included in the Network of Large Italian Shoulder Machinesrecognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
What is the history of the Faradda? From plagues to devotion
The Faradda has very ancient origins and stems from a vow made to the Virgin Mary during one of the terrible plagues that periodically struck the city. Around the 16th centurythe city council of Sassari instituted a procession to dissolve the vow of the city in honour of the Virgin Assumptioninvoking his intercession to rid the population of the plague. From that moment on, every 14 August each year, i gremi bring their own candlesticks until the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehemwhere the statue of the Our Lady of the Assumption.
This tradition has continued uninterrupted for over five centuriesbecoming an integral part of Sassari's identity. La Faradda is not only a religious festival, but also an occasion to remember the cultural roots of the city and pay homage to a popular faith that has been handed down from five hundred years.
When does the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025 take place? All official dates
The 2025 edition of the Descent of the Candlesticks will be held as always in the evening of 14 Augustbut the events will already begin in the days before, transforming the entire August in a period full of appointments. Here are the dates to mark:
12 August 2025 - Faradda dei small candlestickswith the children's parade
13 August 2025 - Faradda dei medium candlesticksdedicated to young people
14 August 2025 - Large Faradda dei Candelierimain event, starting from Castle Square and arrive at the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehem
The morning of the 14th will be reserved for the dressing of the candlestick bearers and institutional tributes. The descent is scheduled to begin at around 6 p.m., with a route through the heart of the streets of the historic centre, touching Corso Vittorio Emanuele IImusic, applause and a whirlwind of emotions.
How does the Candlestick procession take place?
La Candlestick procession follows a precise ritual. I gremi carry huge wooden candlesup to 4 metres high and weighing up to four quintals. I carrierswith steps rhythmised by drums and accordions, they sway the candlestick all along the way. This oscillating movement represents a strenuous votive gesture, an act of devotion e thanksgiving at Our Lady of the Assumption.
The arrival in front of the Church of St. Maryalso known as St Mary of Bethlehemis the most solemn moment. Here every gremio stops on the churchyard to fulfil their spiritual offering and breaking the vow to the Virgin. Participation is free and involves thousands of visitors from all over the Sardinia and also from the continent.
What do the Candlesticks represent and who are the Gremi?
Each candlestick is linked to a gremioor to one of the ancient guilds of arts and crafts of the city: bakers, carpenters, masons, shoemakers, farmers and others. Each gremio has its own candlestickdecorated with ribbons, flowers, coats of arms and sacred images. The most famous is that of the Gremio dei Massairelated to Sassari's rural culture.
These candles are not mere decorative objects: they are identity symbols representing the people of Sassari and the indissoluble bond between work, faith and community. Each bearer prepares for months to be able to bring its candlestick along the entire route, training strength and endurance.
What is the votive significance of the feast?
La Descent of the Candlesticks is, first and foremost, a party votive. Every step taken by the carriersany oscillation of the candlestickevery note of traditional music is a form of prayer. The profound sense of Faradda is that of breaking the vow to the Virginone vote made five hundred years ago to demand an end to the plagues.
The spiritual bond is so strong that even today many families in Sassari experience the 14 August as a moment of reflection, recollection and renewed reliance at Our Lady of the Assumptionwith a great sense of community.
Where does the Descent take place and what is the route?
The route of the Faradda 2025 starts from Castle Squarewhere once stood the ancient Aragonese castleand runs along the main streets of the historic centre. The procession passes through Corso Vittorio Emanueleup to the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehemwhere the ceremony ends.
The route is lined with thousands of spectators, Sassaresi and tourists alike, who cheer and incite the candlestick bearers. The atmosphere is magical: colours, sounds, scents and songs mingle in a setting that only the Faradda of Sassari can offer.
What happens after the Faradda?
Once the descent is over, the festivities continue. The celebrations continue on 15 August with the solemn mass of theAssuntawhile the City of Sassari Prize is awarded to personalities or Sardinians who have brought prestige to Sassari and Sardinia. The Special Golden Candlestick is one of the most eagerly awaited awards.
In addition, throughout the week, the city hosts concerts, exhibitions, cultural events and shows as part of the official programme available on the Municipality of Sassari website.
How to participate in or attend the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025?
No ticket is needed to attend the Faradda of Sassari 2025The event is public and free of charge. However, it is advisable to arrive early, especially in the late afternoon of the 14 Augustto find a good long place Corso Vittorio Emanuele or near the Church of St. Mary.
Those who wish to experience the event in an even more immersive way can take part in side events, exhibitions on the wooden candlesor listen to interviews with the carriers and members of the gremi who tell anecdotes and personal stories related to the festival.
Why is the Descent of the Candlesticks a World Heritage Site?
Since 2013, the Faradda entered the prestigious network of Large Italian Shoulder Machinestogether with the Lilies of Nolathe Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo and the Varia in Palmi. This recognition by UNESCO confirmed the universal value of the Descent of the Candlesticksnot only as a folkloric manifestation, but as a living expression of intangible heritage.
La Faradda of Sassari is proof that even local traditions can become cultural heritage of mankindwhen they can speak to the heart, transmit values, unite a community. All the more reason to be there in the 2025.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025
When exactly does the Descent of the Candlesticks take place?
The evening of 14 August 2025, starting at 18:00 from Piazza Castello.
Do you need a ticket to attend the procession?
No, it is free and open to all.
How many candlesticks do they parade?
Generally between 8 and 10, each representing a historical gremio.
Where does the procession end?
In front of the church of St Mary of Bethlehem.
Is this event suitable for children?
Yes, and on the previous days there are the Faradde of small and medium-sized candlesticks.
What clothes do you wear to participate?
There is no dress code, but light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Can I take photographs during the Faradda?
Yes, but with respect for the ritual and the bearers.
Where to park in Sassari for the event?
Extra parking spaces and shuttles will be provided. See the Municipality of Sassari website.
What is the Golden Candlestick?
A prize awarded each year to a Sassarese or Sardinian who has brought prestige to the city.
What to see in Sassari besides the Faradda?
The historical centre, the Sanna Museum, the Cathedral of San Nicola and the beaches in the surrounding area.