Cortes Apertas

Cortes Apertas (“open courtyards”), or Autumn in Barbagia, is a rich and exciting marathon of events that takes place in the Barbagia region over weekends from September to December.

More than 30 villages open the courtyards of their houses to show ancient traditions and a cross-section of the lives of past inhabitants. Handicrafts and artistic works are displayed inside the houses and courtyards, as well as traditional tools for processing of wool or threshing grain that have been replaced by modern technologies. Visitors meet craftsmen who make filigree gold jewels, shape clay, patiently weave carpets, or make traditional sweets decorated like true works of art.

The silence of the houses and the courtyards contrasts with the frenzy and the clamour from the squares and streets of the town, given over to folk dances and songs. Food stalls and corners will invite you to sample dishes from traditional cuisine.