Tragedy struck the Nuoro Carnival celebrations on the night of March 1, 2025, when 22-year-old Marco Mameli was fatally stabbed during festivities taking place in the small coastal town of Bari Sardo, Sardinia. The incident occurred shortly after 11 PM as Mameli, who hailed from Ilbono, enjoyed the traditional parade amid friends and fellow revelers.
Witnesses reported seeing the altercation start on Via Santa Cecilia, following what had been an exuberant Carnival parade filled with floats and costumes. The joyous atmosphere quickly descended as tensions flared and chaos erupted among the crowd. Initial reports suggest the altercation involved several participants, but specifics about what triggered the fight remain unclear.
Tragically, Marco Mameli was struck by a knife, resulting in injuries so severe he was pronounced dead shortly after emergency services arrived. Paramedics from 118 attempted resuscitation but their efforts were futile, as he succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Another individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also injured during the fracas and received medical attention. Fortunately, he was later discharged from the hospital. The police, including the Carabinieri of Lanusei and local officers, quickly initiated investigations to apprehend those responsible for the violence and to understand the incident's circumstances.
News of the stabbing has reverberated throughout the community, leaving family, friends, and fellow Carnival-goers devastated. The local administration, expressing deep sorrow, stated, "The murder of a young boy of only 22 during what should have been a night of celebration, color, and fun for Carnival requires us to stop and reflect. This is mourning affecting all of Ogliastra…" With these words, the administration also announced immediate cancellations of planned Carnival festivities to honor Mameli's memory and allow the community to grieve.
The investigation team is currently working tirelessly to gather testimonies from eyewitnesses and identify other individuals who participated in the fight. Authorities indicated they were already closing in on potential suspects, but as the investigation is still active, no arrests have been made. They appeal to anyone with information about the event to come forward.
The abrupt end of the Carnival celebrations has triggered widespread sorrow and introspection. The Mayor of Ilbono, Ivan Mameli, publicly conveyed his condolences, mirroring the sentiments of many families affected by the loss of young life. The community, traditionally tight-knit, is grappling with the violence stemming from what is normally a period of joy and festivity.
The sorrow felt across Nuoro and particularly Ilbono, where Mameli resided with his family, is palpable. Mameli was known not just as a hard-working young man but as someone deeply embedded within the fabric of his community. His role as a worker for Saipem at the Arbatax plant highlighted his diligence and commitment.
Local residents continue to express their disbelief and heartbreak over the incident. Many share stories on social media, remembering Mameli as someone who embodied the spirit of the Carnival through his enthusiasm and vivacity. Photos from previous Carnival celebrations show him laughing with friends, embodying the joy of the festivities.
While the Carnival has been canceled and the investigations proceed, the community is holding onto the hope of healing and finding closure. Discussions have emerged about how such incidents can be prevented in the future, as citizens come together to call for greater safety measures during community events.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for dialogue addressing violence, particularly among youth. Mayor Mameli concluded, "We must unite as a community, ensuring the legacy of Marco is not just one of loss, but of reflecting on how to cultivate positivity and peace, especially at joyful gatherings."