Like the Sardinian Cavalcade, the Sartiglia is one of the events most looked forward to by those not religious.  It's a unique equestrian whirl that takes place in Oristano on Quinquagesima Sunday and the following Shrove Tuesday.  Sunday is organised by the Farmers' Gremio (sort of union) and Shrove Tuesday by the Carpenters.
According to tradition and not to historical data, the Sartiglia was established in 1543 by a priest from Arborea called Giovanni Dessì in order to stop the bloody fights that took place between the population and the Aragonese army during carnival, taking advantage of the masks that hid the culprits' faces.  This way, they could remain unpunished.  Thus Dessì decided to give the farmers one of his own lands, whose profits were to be used for the organisation of an equestrian tournament.  People taking part to the tournament had to prove their ability not only riding but also galloping down a street with a sword trying to centre a ring hung on a cord.  The event took place in front the of the cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Mary.
The preparations for the Sartiglia start the 2nd of February, when both Farmers and Carpenters choose their "Componidoris", that is their leader for the Sartiglia.  The Componidoris are submitted to a unique and traditional investiture, reminding us of Spanish customs. They wear a large white embroidered mantilla with a camellia pinned on, a black top hat and a wooden mask with delicate features lending to an androgynous and magical look. Among their tasks is choosing the riders for the tournament. Nowadays the ring has been substituted by a silver star.
The Componidori opens the celebration.  Preceded by a group of masked trumpeters and drummers all wearing traditional Sardinian clothing, he rides through town with his assistants: Su Segundu e Su Terzu (the Second and the Third).  Arriving in front of the Cathedral he gives a sword to riders who, galloping to a drum roll, have to run down the road with the sword and centre a silver star hanging on a silk thread.  The more stars centred, the higher the change of a good harvest.
After this, the same riders venture on horse runs, exhibiting daring evolutions while riding galloping horses at high speeds.  But the most exciting and spectacular moment is when, like in a big circus, the young children try to ride in the same way taking everybody's breath away.