In 1652 a plague struck Cagliari, killing almost half the inhabitants. A plea was made to Sant' Efisio, a holy warrior of the 3rd century, to spare the town, which duly happened. The inhabitants vowed to march annually, to show their gratitude. Every year, on 1 May, more than 3500 participants, from all over Sardinia, dressed in traditional costume, congregate in the historic district of Stampace. At noon they set off on a carpet of pink, red and yellow flowers, filling the air with a rich fragrance. They are followed by 200 people dressed as officers of the Roman army as Sagra di Sant' Efisio. The 65 km march is one of the longest in the world and lasts for 4 days.

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