13. Sa Suchena

Photos 12, 13, and 14 portray emblematic moments of Sa Suchena, which is one of the most important rituals of Holy Week as it represents the Last Supper of Christ with his disciples.

The set table of Sa Suchena, which carries a deep symbolic meaning, is always prepared for twelve men, even though the number of brothers is fewer, to which a place for the priest is added.

For each diner, a serving of fried eel, a garlic bulb, and an orange are arranged. The eel has a shape very similar to that of a snake, a symbol of the devil and guilty, according to the Bible, of tempting Adam and Eve, leading the latter to eat the apple of sin. Consequently, eating fried eel is a symbolic gesture indicating the defeat of temptations and evil. The garlic bulb symbolizes the act of penance, and the orange represents good deeds.

The table is completed with a crown of bread, pane carasatu, cheese, wine, water, and flower decorations, symbolizing the received graces.

The beginning of Sa Suchena is characterized by the blessing and gratitude for the prepared food by the local priest. Then, accompanied by drinks and bread, the eel soup is consumed, followed by the fried eels and finally the cheese.

At the end of the dinner, Sos Coccorois, sweets prepared only for Sa Suchena (depicted in photo 12), and dried fruits, specifically unshelled almonds and dried figs, are eaten.

The dinner concludes with coffee accompanied by typical Sardinian biscuits.

Women help with cooking but do not sit with the men at the Sa Suchena table. They prepare their own table in a separate room, although consuming the same foods. After dinner, all the brothers and sisters gather for the recitation of the Miserere, the prayer to Santa Rughe.

For more information about Sa Suchena, refer to photos 12 and 13.