Gairo is a quaint village with fewer than 1500 inhabitants in the province of Nuoro in Ogliastra, Italy.
The village’s area has been inhabited since ancient Nuragic times.
During the Middle Ages, Gairo belonged to the Judicature of Cagliari until its fall in 1258, when it came under Pisan rule.
In 1324, following the defeat of the Pisans, the village came under the control of the Crown of Aragon. The Aragonese rulers, starting from 1363, incorporated Gairo into the county of Quirra assigned by the King of Aragon to Berengario Carroz.
Gairo was considered a borough of the county until 1603 when it was elevated to a marquisate and became a fiefdom of the Centelles and later the Osorio de la Cueva family. In 1839, it was liberated from them with the abolition of feudalism.
In more recent times, the historic nucleus of Gairo known as “Gairo Vecchio” was partially destroyed by a flood in 1951 and abandoned. New homes were built at a higher altitude than the original village. Additionally, reconstruction along the coast gave rise to the municipality of Cardedu.
The territory of Gairo stretches from the Gennargentu mountains to the sea, offering breathtaking natural landscapes.
- Amongst nature lovers, some must-see natural attractions include Mount Perda Liana and Taquisara Cave, where visitors can explore part of it through guided tours.
- On the coast, visitors can enjoy Su Sirboni and Coccorrocci beaches along with Monte Ferru, famous for its stunning natural pools called “Piscinas“.
In the mountainous area, wild boars, foxes, and mouflons can be spotted; there are still several dozen specimens present.
Near Gairo (close to Osini) lies Nuraghe Serbissi situated at 964 meters above sea level on terraced natural formations.
Astronomy enthusiasts should not miss visiting Ferdinando Caliumi Astronomical Observatory.
One of Gairo’s most important and unique traditions is undoubtedly Su Maimulu carnival celebration. This event includes an ancient representation of good versus evil present in all Barbagia and Ogliastra carnivals but enriched with unique figures exclusive to Gairo’s carnival.
Another distinctive feature of Gairo’s carnival is “questua”. During this festive period, a cart is pulled by two figures dressed as oxen (or rags), called trasulau and malandau. Inside this cart is a large human-like puppet named “Santu Nanì” alongside a wineskin. The cart is used to collect community offerings for Carnival such as wine, cured meats, cheeses, and sweets. These donations are hung on balconies for maimulus to earn by climbing gutters or scaling balconies. During this process trasulau and malandau encourage donations from locals with their classic cry ““Donai a buffai a Santu Nanì”(Give something to drink to Santu Nanì)”.
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