Italy is a very Catholic country, and you can find festivals dedicated to various saints all across the country. (In fact, I saw another festival for the patron saints of Matera last week!) These festivals serve to strengthen the Catholic traditions of the country and teach new people about the lives and work of the saints.
Beyond that, the Festa di San Francesco di Lula is also a showcase of regional Sardinian pride. By walking through the beautiful mountains of central Sardinia and enjoying a feast of regional dishes, the local people preserve and celebrate their history, heritage, religion, and cuisine.
Yes! The pilgrimage winds its way through the gorgeous mountains of central Sardinia, and the food served at the end celebrates local products – especially meat and cheese from the sheep raised in the area.
Because Sardinia is an island, many of the important cities sit on the coast and boast beautiful beaches. By contrast, this festival felt like a celebration of mountainous, central Sardinia and its unique character.
