Central Sardinia Feasts or «Feasts for Ourselves»

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2026-3/400-411

Authors

Keywords:

Sardinia, Barbagia, feasts, rites of passage. protection of tradition, identity

Abstract

The article, based mainly on the materials of the author's field research, analyzes the current state of the festival culture in Barbagia — the most conservative region of Sardinia. It considers a phenomenon previously unnoticed by researchers — the traditional holidays and collectively celebrated rites of passage of this pastoral region, referred to by the local population as “feasts for themselves” We are talking about solemn events that have survived to this day and have not lost their ritual significance for the population. These events are mainly of archaic origin — relics of often pre-Christian rituals and holidays. During these celebrations the population scrupulously, both consciously and unconsciously, follows tradition, excludes innovations, and does not allow the presence and participation of "outsiders". The article highlights the conservation and reproduction of traditional culture in modern conditions and its protection from innovation, maintaining cultural continuity, preserving authenticity, and strengthening the local identity of the population. The article contributes to the development of European festology and also to understanding the mechanisms of adaptation of traditional societies to the challenges of globalization, including through the preservation of traditional festive and ritual practices.

Author Biography

  • Aleksandra Zhuravleva, the Russian Academy of Sciences N. N. Miklouho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology

    Zhuravleva, Aleksandra V. — Ph.D. Student of the Center for European Studies, the Russian Academy of Sciences N. N. Miklouho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology (Moscow, Russian Federation). E-mail: zhuravleva.alex@gmail.com ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4451-2426

    For citation: Zhuravleva, A. V. 2026. Central Sardinia Feasts or «Feasts for Ourselves». Herald of Anthropology (Vestnik Antropologii) 3: 400–411.

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Published

21.09.2026

Issue

No. 3 (2026): Vestnik antropologii (Herald of Anthropology)

Section

Anthropological Mosaic: Young Scholars' Perspectives