![\"Descent](\"https:\/\/yepsea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/discesa-candelieri-sassari.webp\")
What is Sassari's Descent of the Candlesticks and why is it so special?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
La Descent of the Candlesticks<\/strong>called in Sassari dialect Faradda di li Candareri<\/strong>is a votive procession held every year in Sassari on 14 August<\/strong>on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption. It is a collective ritual in which large wooden columns, called candlesticks<\/strong>carried on the shoulders of groups called gremi<\/strong>the ancient guilds of arts and crafts<\/strong>. Each candlestick<\/strong> represents a craft, a tradition, an identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Sassari<\/strong>from families to tourists, from religious people to young people in search of authentic emotions. Since 2013, the Faradda<\/strong> was included in the Network of Large Italian Shoulder Machines<\/strong>recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong>. Around the 16th century<\/strong>the city council of Sassari instituted a procession to dissolve the vow of the city in honour of the Virgin Assumption<\/strong>invoking his intercession<\/strong> to rid the population of the plague. From that moment on, every 14 August each year<\/strong>, i gremi<\/strong> bring their own candlesticks<\/strong> until the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehem<\/strong>where the statue of the Our Lady of the Assumption<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This tradition has continued uninterrupted for over five centuries<\/strong>becoming an integral part of Sassari's identity. La Faradda<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2025 edition of the Descent of the Candlesticks<\/strong> will be held as always in the evening of 14 August<\/strong>but the events will already begin in the days before, transforming the entire August<\/strong> in a period full of appointments. Here are the dates to mark:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12 August 2025<\/strong> - Faradda dei small candlesticks<\/strong>with the children's parade<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13 August 2025<\/strong> - Faradda dei medium candlesticks<\/strong>dedicated to young people<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14 August 2025<\/strong> - Large Faradda dei Candelieri<\/strong>main event, starting from Castle Square<\/strong> and arrive at the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The morning of the 14th will be reserved for the dressing of the candlestick bearers<\/strong> 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<\/strong>, touching Corso Vittorio Emanuele II<\/strong>music, applause and a whirlwind of emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n La Candlestick procession<\/strong> follows a precise ritual. I gremi<\/strong> carry huge wooden candles<\/strong>up to 4 metres high and weighing up to four quintals<\/strong>. I carriers<\/strong>with steps rhythmised by drums and accordions, they sway the candlestick<\/strong> all along the way. This oscillating movement represents a strenuous votive gesture, an act of devotion<\/strong> e thanksgiving<\/strong> at Our Lady of the Assumption<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The arrival in front of the Church of St. Mary<\/strong>also known as St Mary of Bethlehem<\/strong>is the most solemn moment. Here every gremio<\/strong> stops on the churchyard<\/strong> to fulfil their spiritual offering and breaking the vow to the Virgin<\/strong>. Participation is free and involves thousands of visitors<\/strong> from all over the Sardinia<\/strong> and also from the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each candlestick<\/strong> is linked to a gremio<\/strong>or to one of the ancient guilds of arts and crafts<\/strong> of the city: bakers, carpenters, masons, shoemakers, farmers and others. Each gremio<\/strong> has its own candlestick<\/strong>decorated with ribbons, flowers, coats of arms and sacred images. The most famous is that of the Gremio dei Massai<\/strong>related to Sassari's rural culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These candles<\/strong> 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<\/strong> prepares for months to be able to bring its candlestick<\/strong> along the entire route, training strength and endurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n La Descent of the Candlesticks<\/strong> is, first and foremost, a party votive<\/strong>. Every step taken by the carriers<\/strong>any oscillation of the candlestick<\/strong>every note of traditional music is a form of prayer<\/strong>. The profound sense of Faradda<\/strong> is that of breaking the vow to the Virgin<\/strong>one vote made five hundred years ago<\/strong> to demand an end to the plagues<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spiritual bond is so strong that even today many families in Sassari experience the 14 August<\/strong> as a moment of reflection, recollection and renewed reliance<\/strong> at Our Lady of the Assumption<\/strong>with a great sense of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The route of the Faradda 2025<\/strong> starts from Castle Square<\/strong>where once stood the ancient Aragonese castle<\/strong>and runs along the main streets of the historic centre<\/strong>. The procession passes through Corso Vittorio Emanuele<\/strong>up to the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehem<\/strong>where the ceremony ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The route is lined with thousands of spectators, Sassaresi and tourists alike, who cheer and incite the candlestick bearers<\/strong>. The atmosphere is magical: colours, sounds, scents and songs mingle in a setting that only the Faradda of Sassari<\/strong> can offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the descent is over, the festivities continue. The celebrations continue on 15 August with the solemn mass of theAssunta<\/strong>while the City of Sassari Prize<\/strong> is awarded to personalities or Sardinians who have brought prestige to Sassari and Sardinia<\/strong>. The Special Golden Candlestick<\/strong> is one of the most eagerly awaited awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No ticket is needed to attend the Faradda of Sassari 2025<\/strong>The event is public and free of charge. However, it is advisable to arrive early, especially in the late afternoon of the 14 August<\/strong>to find a good long place Corso Vittorio Emanuele<\/strong> or near the Church of St. Mary<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those who wish to experience the event in an even more immersive way can take part in side events, exhibitions on the wooden candles<\/strong>or listen to interviews with the carriers<\/strong> and members of the gremi<\/strong> who tell anecdotes and personal stories related to the festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 2013, the Faradda<\/strong> entered the prestigious network of Large Italian Shoulder Machines<\/strong>together with the Lilies of Nola<\/strong>the Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo and the Varia in Palmi. This recognition by UNESCO confirmed the universal value of the Descent of the Candlesticks<\/strong>not only as a folkloric manifestation, but as a living expression of intangible heritage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n La Faradda of Sassari<\/strong> is proof that even local traditions can become cultural heritage of mankind<\/strong>when they can speak to the heart, transmit values, unite a community. All the more reason to be there in the 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When exactly does the Descent of the Candlesticks take place?<\/strong> Do you need a ticket to attend the procession?<\/strong> How many candlesticks do they parade?<\/strong> Where does the procession end?<\/strong> Is this event suitable for children?<\/strong> What clothes do you wear to participate?<\/strong> Can I take photographs during the Faradda?<\/strong> Where to park in Sassari for the event?<\/strong> What is the Golden Candlestick?<\/strong> What to see in Sassari besides the Faradda?<\/strong> Discesa dei Candelieri a Sassari 2025: tutto sulla Faradda patrimonio dell\u2019umanit\u00e0 Ogni anno, la citt\u00e0 di Sassari si trasforma in un teatro vibrante di fede, musica e tradizione con la […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":81964,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81963","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81963"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81963\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yepsea.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What is the history of the Faradda? From plagues to devotion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/yepsea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/faradda-sassari.jpg\")
When does the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025 take place? All official dates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How does the Candlestick procession take place?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What do the Candlesticks represent and who are the Gremi?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the votive significance of the feast?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where does the Descent take place and what is the route?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What happens after the Faradda?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to participate in or attend the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why is the Descent of the Candlesticks a World Heritage Site?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the Descent of the Candlesticks 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The evening of 14 August 2025, starting at 18:00 from Piazza Castello.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, it is free and open to all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally between 8 and 10, each representing a historical gremio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In front of the church of St Mary of Bethlehem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, and on the previous days there are the Faradde of small and medium-sized candlesticks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no dress code, but light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, but with respect for the ritual and the bearers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extra parking spaces and shuttles will be provided. See the Municipality of Sassari website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A prize awarded each year to a Sassarese or Sardinian who has brought prestige to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The historical centre, the Sanna Museum, the Cathedral of San Nicola and the beaches in the surrounding area.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"