Mamoiada is known worldwide for its Carnival, which in 2023 was recognized as a Historical Carnival by the Ministry of Culture. Located in the heart of Sardinia, in a region called Barbagia, mostly within the province of Nuoro, and nestled in a vast mountainous area dominated by the Gennargentu massif.

Unspoiled nature, rivers and valleys, a rich variety of flora and fauna, archaeological sites, fascinating traditions and customs, ancient picturesque villages, and traditional food and wine characterize Barbagia. In this context, Mamoiada preserves a cultural heritage showcased in a museum system centered around three museums: the Mediterranean Masks Museum, the Museum of Culture and Work, and the Museum of Archaeology and Territory.

The Carnival of Mamoiada takes place during the festival of Saint Anthony Abbot on January 16th and 17th, as well as on Carnival Sunday and Shrove Tuesday, featuring the parades of Mamuthones and Issohadores through the city streets. This ritual begins with a sacred dressing and stages a “march” that some describe as a “dance,” unique in its kind: a slow, orderly, and synchronized march, punctuated by loud shoulder blows and rhythmic jumps. Some scholars interpret it as an ancient propitiatory rite, others as a historical reenactment related to past invasions, but for everyone, it is a spectacle not to be missed.