Siurgus Donigala
Welcome to Siurgus Donigala, in the beautiful province of Southern Sardinia
We invite you to take a short journey to discover Siurgus Donigala, a town of 1825 inhabitants located in the sub-region of Trexenta, in Sardinia.
The history of Siurgus Donigala
The inhabitants have always lived in this area since the times of Nuragic Sardinia, and in the Middle Ages it belonged to the Judicate of Cagliari. Later, it passed on to the Pisans and then to the Aragonese, who made it a fief incorporated into the Duchy of Mandas. In 1839, the fief was redeemed with the abolition of the feudal system. Until 1927, the municipality was divided into two parts, Siurgus and Donigala. In 1927, they were unified and named "Littoria". However, this name was contested and it was decided to keep the two names and unify them in Siurgus Donigala.
Symbols of the municipality
The city's coat of arms features the heraldic tower and a large green amphora surmounted by the stripe with eight gold rays on a blue background, while the gonfalon is yellow. The motto of the municipality, although granted later, reads: "Pro libertate et prosperitate".
The society and culture of Siurgus Donigala
Demographic evolution
The population of Siurgus Donigala has gradually grown over the years, in fact during the 2011 census it counted 1825 inhabitants.
Languages and dialects
In Siurgus Donigala, the spoken language is Western Campidanese Sardinian.
Traditions and folklore
An important traditional event is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 7th and 8th September. One of the most important events during this festival is the offering of the candle to Santa Maria di Montserrat, a very ancient ritual that could date back to the 14th century. This ritual is similar to that held in other parts of Sardinia, such as Iglesias, Sassari, Nulvi and Ploaghe, where the faithful carry very large candles to honor the Madonna.
The candles of Donigala
During the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Siurgus Donigala, the ritual of the offering of the candle takes place, where a decorated huge candle is transported along a very suggestive path. The candle is an 8-meter high statue that is carried in procession through the historic center of the municipality. The peculiar characteristic of this candle is its length, which makes it one of the largest in Sardinia.
Conclusions
Siurgus Donigala is a small municipality that, despite its millenary history, has preserved its cultural identity and traditions. It is a fantastic place that is definitely worth visiting if you are looking for a peaceful and authentic place where to immerse yourself in Sardinian customs and traditions. The offering of the candle is a very suggestive festival that allows visitors to get in touch with the history and culture of the island.
