From the 29th of May to the 3rd of June in Carloforte it is possible to watch the ancient old tradition of the capture of bluefin tuna with the use of dense nets in a quasi-spiritual procedure. A dramatic event deeply connected to this part of Sardinia that sees the battle between man and nature. The men working together in a team effort that is especially powerful to watch, the mattanza is in fact the catch of an entire school of fish, dozens of tuna may be captured. The ambience of bloody water and particularly large fish leaves one with a singular impression. A ritual by many seen as cruel, which continues with no little controversy not only for the way in which the fish dye in a true massacre but also for the diminishing of tuna in size and number.

At the beginning of June in Carloforte on the island of San Pietro will takes place the annual edition of the Girotonno, an international gastronomic competition centred around bluefin tuna that sees chefs and food experts from all over the world getting together to celebrate an ancient old tradition.
Four days of unique appointments based on cultural tradition, including the arts, wine and food themes, music, dances and shows.

Summary

Article Name

Il Girotonno and La Mattanza in Carloforte

Description

Annual event taking place in Carloforte, one of the Sardinian islands, between the end of May and the beginning of June. The ancient and brutal tradition of La Mattanza represents the battle of man with nature and sees the slaughtering of an entire school of tuna fish. The sight is spectacular if you can stand the brutality of it. The event is sided by the Girotonno, an international gastronomic competition that sees food experts and chefs side by side.

Author

Mariangela Garau