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Candlemas

February 2nd is an important date to a number of religious institutions of Oristano. 
Traditionally, Guild members, brotherhoods and a few religious associations go to church first thing in the morning – some of them going to their family chapel – to have candles blessed during the Eucharistic service. After Mass, the members of all these institutions pay a visit to sick members’ houses, call on dead members’ widows or go and see people who are particularly close to the association, to give a blessed candle to each of them. 
This ritual is an expression of the special communion and solidarity binding members and sympathizers of the associations. Members of the Guilds, too, go to visit members and aficionados of the corporation to give them a candle.

On the same day, an ancient tradition has it that ‘S’Oberaiu Majore’ of Farmers’ Guild and the ‘Majorale en Cabo’ of Carpenters’ Guild – the maximum authorities of the two corporations – are expected to appoint their own ‘Componidori’. By giving the designated horsemen a blessed candle, the chiefs of both Guilds officially appoint ‘Su Componidori’ of their own Sartiglia, i.e. the two riders that, respectively, will rule the joust on last Sunday and following Tuesday of Carnival.

In recent years, the ceremony of the entrustment of the blessed tall candle, on the occasion of the appointment of ‘su Componidori’, has been increasingly assuming the profile of an actual feast for the entire town. indeed, a thick crowd wants to assist to the ceremony. 
Members of the Guild, accompanied by drummers and buglers, form a parade heading for the appointed horseman’s house. A tall candle adorned by red ribbons is offered by ‘S’Oberaiu Majore’ and a prayer is said to the protector Saint of the corporation: ‘Santu Giuanni t’aggiudidi’ (‘May St.John help you’), to formally consecrate the appointment of Farmers’ Guild’s ‘Componidori’. 
In the same way, the invocation ‘Santu Giuseppi t’assistada’ (‘May St.Joseph assist you’)  and a tall candle tied with pink and light-blue ribbons, donated by the ‘Majorale en Cabo’, marks the nomination of the horseman who will guide the joust of Carpenters’ Guild. 
At the same time, a blessed candle is offered to the aides-de-camp, the respective ‘pariglia’ mates of both ‘Componidoris’.

Delicious almond sweets and toasts with Vernaccia wine will characterize the day. Guild Members, horsemen, countless enthusiasts and friends of Sartiglia enjoy hanging out till late evening, to celebrate the investiture with congratulations to the riders, entrusted with such a meaningful assignment.