Mamoiada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mamoiada
Mamujada
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| Comune di Mamoiada | |
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| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sardinia |
| Province | Province of Nuoro (NU) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 48.43 km2 (18.70 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 650 m (2,130 ft) |
| Population
(Dec. 2004)
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| • Total | 2,582 |
| • Density | 53.314/km2 (138.08/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code |
08024
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| Dialing code | 0784 |
Mamoiada (called Mamujada in the local Sardinian language) is a small town in Italy. It is a comune, which is like a municipality or a local government area. Mamoiada is located on the island of Sardinia.
This town is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) north of Cagliari, which is the capital city of Sardinia. It's also about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of Nuoro. In 2004, Mamoiada had a population of 2,582 people. The town covers an area of about 49 square kilometers (19 square miles).
Contents
Carnival Traditions in Mamoiada
Mamoiada is famous for its unique and ancient carnival traditions. These traditions include special costumes and masks. The most well-known characters are the mamuthones and the issohadores.
The Mamuthones
The mamuthones wear dark, shaggy sheepskin costumes. They have a wooden mask that is black and sad-looking. On their backs, they carry heavy bells. These bells can weigh up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds). They move slowly and rhythmically, shaking their bells as they walk.
The Issohadores
The issohadores wear bright red jackets and white trousers. They have a white mask and a special rope called an issoha. They move more freely than the mamuthones. The issohadores use their ropes to "capture" people from the crowd. This is a playful tradition.
The Carnival Parade
During the carnival, the mamuthones and issohadores parade through the streets. It is a very old ritual. Many people believe it dates back to ancient times. It might have been a way to celebrate the harvest or to protect against evil spirits.
Mamoiada's Museum of Masks
Mamoiada has a special museum dedicated to masks. It is called the Museum of Mediterranean Masks. Here, you can see the traditional masks from Mamoiada. The museum also displays masks from other parts of Sardinia. You can even find masks from other countries in Europe. It's a great place to learn about these unique traditions.
Mamoiada's Surroundings
Mamoiada is surrounded by beautiful Sardinian landscapes. It is close to several other towns. These include Fonni, Gavoi, and Orgosolo. The area is known for its natural beauty and ancient history.
Images for kids
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A panoramic view of Mamoiada.
