Sagra delle Fave e dei Ceci – Festa di San Sebastiano (Fava Bean and Chickpea Festival - St. Sebastian's Feast)

Ollastra celebrates its patron saint San Sebastiano with a cherished festival traditionally accompanied by the Sagra delle Fave e dei Ceci (Fava Bean and Chickpea Festival). This two-day event showcases local devotion and customs, beginning with a festive parade of decorated tractors, the presentation of traditional panderas (woven baskets) on ox-drawn carts, and a colourful procession of locals in authentic Sardinian dress accompanied by the haunting melodies of launeddas (traditional triple pipes). Following religious services, a blessing and the lighting of the traditional bonfire mark the moment when fava beans and chickpeas are served to all attendees. The festivities continue with a solemn procession, the lively and much-anticipated ›Ballu de pratz 'e cresia‹ (church square dance), and conclude with a tasting of local vernaccia wine.