Sartiglia and Abodi Decree: Unexpected Positive Signals from Rome
Rome, January 28, 2026 – A glimmer of hope has appeared for the Sartiglia festival concerning the controversial Abodi Decree. Cryptic communication from the Oristano Municipality’s press office, following a meeting held yesterday afternoon in Rome at the Ministry of Health, suggests a possible positive development.
The meeting brought together Deputy Francesco Mura, Oristano Mayor Massimiliano Sanna, and Carlo Cuccu, President of the Oristano Foundation. Discussions focused on the regulations contained within the Abodi Decree and the critical issues surrounding their application for the 2026 edition of the Sartiglia. For months, this topic has dominated public debate and discussions among those directly involved in organizing the joust, particularly concerning the regulation that would mandate the use of helmets and body protectors for riders.
The official statement does not disclose specific contents or formal decisions. However, it emphasizes that the matter will be further explored by the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Ministries of Agriculture and Sport. This passage, when read between the lines, appears to indicate a broader political and technical commitment than previously observed.
The announced “determinations,” expected to be communicated shortly, could therefore translate into a shared solution capable of overcoming the rigidities previously feared. Such a solution would aim to ensure the Sartiglia festival proceeds while respecting its rules, tradition, and safety requirements.
For now, everything remains confined to a few institutional lines and cautious language. Nevertheless, the atmosphere emanating from Rome seems different. There is no outright rejection, but rather the concrete possibility of a positive turning point that Oristano has been awaiting for months.
