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January

CHRISTMAS WITH PARENTS...EASTER IN TONARA

Situated on the slopes of Gennargentu, 1000 metres high, Tonara shows its visitors the unmistakable features of a mountain village. The very geographical position of Tonara has made of it a well-patronized destination for tourists, thanks both to its territory, covered 90% with thick woods of chestnut trees, hazels, holm-oaks, bay-oaks, hollies and other kinds of trees, and the numberless springs of purest water one can find there.

The territory, belonging to the Commune of Tonara, offers the visitor a number of opportunities such as trekking on foot or by mountain bike. Rather charming is the itinerary leading to Punta Muggianeddu (1496 m), where one will admire a marvellous landscape sweeping over the 4 cardinal points, starting from the north with the mountains of Supramonte of Orgosolo and Oliena, then the Gennargentu range in the east and Tonara in the south, deep in the green woods, and the Campidano of Cagliari; in the west, the Gulf of Oristano and the sea. Worth seeing are also “Is domus de janas” (= fairy houses); a majestic sacrificial fountain; a millenary tree; in the southern area of the village, Illarè, Uatzo and the waterfall coming down from the stream “Pitzirimasa”.Yet, it is the craftmade production of cowbells and “torrone” that makes the village famous.Torrone (a kind of nougat) is still prepared, in different laboratories, according to the traditional recipe and it is much appreciated all over the country.

One can visit Tonara all year round, but the best period is certainly Easter time. Within three days, one will be able to see the best of the village: on Easter Day, the charming encounter between the Madonna and the risen Christ, among the rejoicing and singing of believers; on Easter Monday, the traditional Torrone Festival, organized by the municipality and the workshops. The cake is prepared in the square and offered to tourists; the atmosphere is cheered up by the songs and dances of folk groups coming from the Barbagia region.

A wide choice is available to anybody wishing to spend the night in Tonara: the agency Bilquis Viaggi, which has been working in the territory for three years already, is able to accommodate tourists in two and three-star hotels, agriturismo, a youth hostel (for campers too), and flats (for families and groups).

Please call the number 078463345. The single call will give you an organized holiday. Just relax, we’ll do the rest.

SANT'ANTONIO IN ARITZO
THE CHARM OF BONFIRES

A cold January evening, a big bonfire, the scent of cooked wine, “polenta”, boiled mutton and roast chestnuts, the crowd’s humming, the glittering coming up to the sky, shadows falling everywhere: this is a cross-section of S. Antonio Abate celebrations taking place in Aritzo, this year again, thanks to the Committee organizing the feast: a leap into the traditions of the Barbagia region. In Aritzo, according to an old tradition, each district made its own bonfire with big logs and roots. The event involved the whole neighbourhood and established a kind of competition, due to the importance and richness of the feast, among the several districts. It is one more occasion to listen to old people’s tales and old stories about banditry, sheep farming and old characters of Aritzo’s history, which seems to live once more by the shadows of bonfires. For the last ten years, every year, the Committee has prepared one single bonfire in “Sa Prazza de S’erriu” opposite the Post Office, gathering together local inhabitants and numerous tourists coming every year for their January meeting. This year too there will be a number of performances such as the Chorus “Bachis Sulis” of Aritzo, a folk group, and the improvised poetry and music of local amateurs immersed in the traditional hospitality of Aritzo. The “Centro Servizi Turistici” (Tourist Service Bureau) of Sergio Curreli is at the tourist’s complete disposal. It even organizes week-ends including excursions to the Gennargentu mountains (on foot or on horseback), guided visits to the historical centre, to the rich Ethnographic Museum, to churches and parks. Please call the Centro Servizi Turistici of Sergio Curreli at the following numbers: 0784 629442 and 0368 3688296. You will receive an even warmer welcome than that of a bonfire.