San Simplicio's Day in Olbia

Olbia celebrates its Patron Saint, San Simplicio, from the 11th to the 15th of May.
Celebrations end with "Sa Festa Manna de Mesu Maju" (the big feast of middle May) on May the 14th . A big parade, led by the Saint statue, takes place in the afternoon.
More and more tourists take part in the feast, thanks also to all the secondary events organized. Much importance is given to gastronomy, with the mussels festival, and to tradition, with the parade of the most famous historical Sardinian costumes, Sardinian language poetry competitions, folk songs and dances.
The feast even includes the charming San Simplicio's “Palio of the Star” which takes place in Via Re di Puglia. 
All celebrations, lighted by the unfailing fireworks, anticipate the beautiful procession that take place on the 15th of May, with the parade of historical folk groups dressed in typical Sardinian costumes coming from all over the island, which walk with the Saint statue along the streets of  Olbia.
The undisputed protagonist of the feast is obviously the Basilica of  San Simplicio : the most artistic, important and ancient religious monument in Gallura.
The church is located in the city centre and is dedicated to Simplicio, who was the only Sardinian martyred bishop.
The current basilica was probably built on a small early Christian church dating back to the 600. In Pisan style and almost completely made of granite, the Church of San Simplicio is a beautiful religious monument with a nave and two aisles.