Poetry
Poetry - Daniela Spoto 2023, © CCIAA NU

Poetry

Poetry in Sardinia and in the Nuorese in particular has a long rich tradition with roots in antiquity.

Antiochus Casula (Montanaru). The poet with his students, Desulo 1936
Antiochus Casula (Montanaru). The poet with his students, Desulo 1936 - © B. Lohse, Archivio Ilisso

The Sardinian culture and language influenced the development of its poetry over the centuries, creating a unique and distinctive art form.

Sardinian poetry is distinguished for its wide variety of genres and styles. One of the most famous genres is impromptu poetry, the two most important events for which are the Logudorese competition (cantare a bolu) in the central-north part of the island and the Campidanese competition in the south.
This tradition is rooted in oral poetry and touches upon the themes of love, nature, everyday life and historical events.

Grazia Deledda. On the desk the puppets by Eugenio Tavolara
Grazia Deledda. On the desk the puppets by Eugenio Tavolara - © Pressens Bild, Archivio Ilisso

Sardinian is divided into different variants, including Logudorese, Campidanese and Gallurese. Sardinian poets have often used these linguistic variants to express their emotions, stories and traditions.

Over the centuries, many Sardinian poets contributed to the richness of its poetry.

The most famous include Grazia Deledda, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1926, Sebastiano Satta, Pietro Mura, Pasquale Dessanay, Peppino Mereu and many others.

Sardinian poetry continues to be cultivated and appreciated today. Many contemporary poets write in Sardinian or use the Sardinian poetry tradition as a source of inspiration.