The Descent of the Candelieri

FaraddAPP is an application about The descent of the Candelieri, UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

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.