| More than anywhere else in Sardinia the people of this region are firmly attached to their traditions. While in Mamoiada Mary visited the Museum of Mamuthones and Mediterranean Masks. Here on January 17th the winter celebration of Saint Anthonio takes place. In Mamoiada locals dressing up as Mamuthones and Issohadores parade down the streets. The roots of the celebration go back to pagan times. The Mamuthone represents �winter� (sad) and the Issohadore �spring� (fertility), and these rituals represent the hope for a bountiful farming season. |
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| Mamuthones |
| Bells weigh about 66 pounds |
| Monday morning, May 29, we visited the town of Nuoro, driving first up to the top of Monte Ortobene, 3133 feet high, for views of Nuoro and the surrounding countryside. Afterwards we visited the museum in Nuoro displaying traditional Sardinian costumes. In Sardinia there are around 350 communities, and each has its own unique costume. Until the end of the 19th century the majority of Sardinia was quite isolated from the outside world. |
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