A few years ago, the organizers of the Autunno in Barbagia a festival held annually in Sardinia, visited Amsterdam, and I attended the press event. It felt a bit like coming home, as I’ve been visiting Sardinia for a long time. I’d never attended the festival, which takes place in various villages in the Barbagia region, Sardinia’s inland region, so now that I have more free time I was curious to find out more..
Although my main focus on the blog is interiors and visiting the different fairs across Europe. I also really enjoy different crafts, like the many ceramists I showed over the years. Although this festival might be a bit more traditional and more local, I really enjoyed watching the different crafts and the whole scene during the weekend. The festival runs from early September to mid-December. During that time, there are various craftsmen’s demonstrations every weekend in two different villages, with plenty of cooking, tasting, and dancing. It’s a real glimpse into the cultural traditions of the various villages.
Visiting Autunno in Barbagia in Dorgali (NU)
Dorgali is one of the villages I visited. It’s known primarily for its combination of nature, archaeology, and craftsmanship. The village is home to many small workshops and shops where local products are handmade, such as leatherwork, ceramics, carpets, and jewelry, particularly filigree goldwork.
Also known for its wine and cheese production, people were drinking and eating in the various streets and alleyways, in stalls or improvised kitchens in old buildings. It was fantastic to attend this festival, and I would have loved to visit more villages, as each one in this region is truly unique. I made a selection out of the hundred photos I took to give you a small impression.
A lively start with traditional songs
Traditional songs blared from loudspeakers in the street, setting the scene for a lively start with a small exhibition with wine, art, jewelry and other crafts in three small adjoining warehouses. Wine tasting by Giuseppe Serra I will upload some more video’s also on Instagram to get the full picture.
Enrico Serra
woven baskets including an ancient one
Bidas & Caras
Faces and costumes : An exhibition that focused on women in their traditional traditional costumes, I really loved this modern interpretation. Various works by Maria Elena Balestrino and Roberto, including a chess set with traditional figures and masks.
Not only filigree jewelry but also red coral is seen, her in traditional costumes
Traditional dances on the street by the youngest members of the dance group of the village, They had so much fun while dancing and I loved the fact they entered one of the cafe’s and invite the bartender for a quick dance. Have a look at my Instagram for more impressions
Snack spot for a day
I found this improvised snack spot in one of the abandoned ruins of what was once a house so funny. I got some delicious fries made with jacket potatoes there. A busy spot all weekend!
Black & White Photography
I also really enjoyed all the old black-and-white photos scattered throughout the village, displayed in old books or hanging on the walls. I’d hang this one on my own wall; it was taken in 1962 by photographer H. Cartier-Bresson. The photo below shows one of the small churches in the village, including the church itself.
All images ©vosgesparis
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