The typical sweets of Carnival in Sardinia

The most beloved and traditional specialties: from delicious zeppole to sweet orillettas via parafrittus and acciuleddi

Carnival in Sardinia is not only a festival of masks and dances, but also a riot of authentic flavors rooted in tradition. Between confetti and parades, the typical sweets of this period represent a true celebration of taste, handed down from generation to generation. Let's discover together some of the most beloved sweets of the Sardinian Carnival.

Here you will find instead the most beautiful celebrations between folklore and tradition, while here the traditional masks of Carnival in Sardinia.

Traditional carnival customs in Sardinia

Zeppole (or zippulas), the festive fritters

Zippulas, also known as Sardinian zeppole, are the real stars of Carnival. The most famous is the Arab fritura: long, golden rolled snakes made by passing a fluid dough through a funnel directly into boiling oil. Other variations involve a round shape, resembling small irregular doughnuts, flavored with orange zest, lemon and a pinch of saffron. For an even fluffier texture, some recipes include potatoes or ricotta cheese, while anise adds a unique aromatic touch. Particularly in Cagliari, zippulas also take the form of small bites, prepared with the same dough, fried and then filled with cream, for an irresistible burst of sweetness.

Orillettas, the sweet little golden ribbons

Orillettas are a typical Sardinian variation of chiacchiere. This specialty is made with thin strips of dough scented with aquavit and lemon zest. In the Gallura and Nuorese areas, they are distinguished by their particular accordion shape, which makes them very scenic. Once fried, they are covered with honey and garnished with citrus peel, enriching their taste and aroma.

Fried Facts, Sardinian Donuts Irresistible

Fritti fatti, also known as parafrittus or parafrittos, are soft fried doughnuts wrapped in a layer of sugar. Widespread throughout Sardinia, they captivate with their enveloping aroma: lemon, orange and anise are the most common aromatic notes, making them simply irresistible. But the real secret of these delicacies lies in their distinctive feature: a lighter line that appears during frying, a sign of perfect cooking in boiling oil. Each area of the island has its own version, with slight variations in flavorings: in some towns orange prevails, in others lemon, while in northern Sardinia anise is also added. Whatever the variation, one thing is certain: fried facts are a real cloud of sweetness, perfect for those who love to indulge in a sin of gluttony with an authentic and traditional flavor.

Acciuleddi, the delicious honey braids

Acciuleddi are traditional sweets from Gallura, which are also widespread in other parts of Sardinia, such as Nuoro and Sassari. These little braids are made with pasta violada, a dough made from semolina and lard (or butter), which used to be fried directly in lard to bring out its authentic flavor. After baking, acciuleddi are wrapped in a mouth-watering layer of citrus-scented honey, making them irresistibly fragrant and sweet just right. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and with an enveloping aroma, they are a real treat that wins you over at the first bite!

Sardinian Chiacchiere, crispy wonders of Carnival

Among the most beloved and popular sweets of Carnival, Sardinian chiacchiere - also known as meraviglie or bugie - are an irresistible specialty that cannot be missed on island tables. These crispy, light treats are prepared with a thin dough flavored with lemon zest and aquavit, which gives them a unique, enveloping taste. Unlike more common versions, in the Sardinian tradition 00 flour is replaced with durum wheat semolina, making the pastry even more fragrant. After frying, they are sprinkled with powdered sugar, creating a perfect balance between lightness and intense flavor.

Culurgiones de Mendula, The sweet ravioli that conquer at first bite

Culurgiones de mendula are delicious ravioli made of crispy dough that enclose a soft heart made of lemon-scented almonds. Strictly fried, they are wrapped in a luscious lemon honey coating or dusted with powdered sugar, enhancing their irresistible flavor. These little treasure chests of goodness exist in several variations: in addition to the classic almond filling, they can be found with chocolate, ricotta and orange, for a mix of flavors that conquers every palate. Be careful, though: one leads to another... and resisting is practically impossible!