Bolu poem

The Sardinian expression “poem a bolu” means the improvised impromptu oral poetry of the so-called 'cantadores', popular byes that perform in the squares of Sardinia. This particular artistic form is enjoyed by the population on the occasion of patron saint festivities through the so-called 'competition'. This is nothing more than a poetic public performance in which each artist defends a theme that is assigned to him by the public.
The 'cantadores' stand on a stage, generally elevated above the listeners, and carry out their point of view by relying on the main yardstick of Sardinian poetry: 's'otada'. Before the end of the last century, organized competition did not exist. It was a talented poet from Ozieri, Antonio Cubeddu, who proposed to regularize it in this way, also establishing the rule of providing compensation for artists. Before then, the population delighted with improvised poetry on every public or private occasion, but not in an institutionalized way.
Throughout the twentieth century, and up to the present day, the most famous cantadores have somehow become the 'heroes' of populations all over the island. Even today, these important “mythical” figures deserve to be studied and known for their artistic and personal qualities. Their biographies, their performances, their poetic production are today, at least in part, available to everyone.

Update

16/7/2025 - 12:00