The Signature | March 3, 2023

Almond blossom and International Folklore festival returns to Agrigento (March 5-12)

By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

After the four-year hiatus due the COVID-19 pandemic, the 75th edition of the traditional “Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore” (Almond Blossom Festival) and the 65th edition of the prestigious International Folklore Festival return to Agrigento, named the “most beautiful city of mortals,” by Greek poet Pindar. From March 5 through March 12th, expect seven days of amazing dance shows, folklore parades, arts and crafts, beauty contests, concerts, delicious local food and entertainment.

This year, the 20th edition of the “Children of the World Festival,” will also take place at the same time. Two group parades for the city will all be held in the center on the Sundays of March 5 and 12. The weekly shows will be held between Palacongressi Convention Center and Pirandello Theater.

Almond trees have been already in full blossom in Agrigento since February spreading their delicious perfume in the air, all around the enchanting Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) a worldrenowned enchanting Greek archeological site, which features traces of an ancient and proud civilization. Those beautiful trees provide a unique and breathtaking spectacle for the festival annually drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world.

The almond, which is considered as a symbol of rebirth and beauty, is the first tree to come into flower after the winter season. Almonds are native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean, but they are also cultivated in the Middle East, Italy, Spain, Greece, and California.

According to legend, the origin of the almond tree is rooted in a Greek mythological story. It tells of the beautiful princess Phyllis who died of a broken heart for having been deserted by Demophoon, a Greek king whom she loved. Demophoon had left Phyllis to return to Athens for a short visit but never came back for months. Phyllis’s tragic death moved a goddess to turn her into a barren almond tree which when embraced by the grieving Demophoon on his delayed arrival, burst forth into full bloom. The tale is a true demonstration of undying love.

The enchanting Valley of the Greek Temples and the historic center of the town is therefore a perfect backdrop for this worldwide brotherhood celebration. This year, eleven folklore groups from around the world showcase their heritage through traditional dance, music, and costumes.

During the festival, city balconies and windows will be decorated with colored flowers. The origins of the festival date back to the 1930s. Every year, at the beginning of February, the farmers of Naro, a small village in the Agrigento province, used to celebrate the early almond blooming with songs, dances and float parades. The festival also helped to promote local community produce. Through the years, the festival, which was moved to Agrigento, earned an international reputation as a celebration of peace and friendship that involves folklore groups from all over the world.

Festival’s highlights

Every day there will be folklore show and parades in the city’s historic center. Folklore parades, featuring folklore groups from 24 countries (Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Georgia, Japan, Greece, India, Italy, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Malaysia, Macedonia, Mexico, Poland, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, United States of America, Thailand and Uzbekistan) will be held at several venues (Palacongressi, Teatro Postavecchia), in piazza Cavour in the morning and in the evening at the Pirandello Theater. This year’s highlights include the exciting ‘Torchlight Procession of Friendship,’ scheduled

for Friday, March 10 at 5:00 p.m., sealing the participation in peace, brotherhood and friendship of groups representing some 30 nations from Africa, America, Asia and Europe.

Live music will include great artists in concert such as Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, the historic Italian progressive rock band founded in Rome in 1968 and the Symphony Orchestra of the Conservatory ‘Toscanini’ of Ribera.

Cooking shows highlighting almond-based specialties will also be among the most exciting events of the festival.

The last day of the festival (Sunday, March 12) will begin at 9:30 am with a folklore show from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele to the viale della Vittoria and will feature the final two-hour award show at 3:00 pm at the Valley of Temples.

The festival will be extended one more day March 13 in the picturesque town of Naro where it was born on the 1930s with a spectacular parade taking place at 10:00 am in the historic center.

This year, it will be possible to reach the places where the events of the International Folklore Festival will take place aboard a historic train from Palermo that, traveling through the hinterland of Sicily, will arrive to the “City of Temples” on March 5 and 12, the opening and closing Sundays of the festival. The March 5 program includes the “Almond Blossom TrainHistoric Train” from Palermo Central Station to Agrigento Central Station. The convoy, operated by electric locomotive with 1930s “Centoporte” coaches, 1950s Corbellini coaches and baggage carriage, will leave Palermo at 8:00 am and arrive in Agrigento at 11:05 am

On the return trip, however, it will leave at 6:23 pm and arrive at 9:10 pm

On the same day there will be the Almond Blossom Express - Tourist Train from Agrigento Central to Porto Empedocle Succursale Station. In this case “ALn 668” train will depart Agrigento at 8:30 am to arrive in Porto Empedocle at 9:10 am Return trip leaving at 9:20 am and arriving at 10:05 am

The Almond Blossom Express - Tourist Train from Agrigento Central to Porto Empedocle Succursale will also replicate on March 11 but with departure at 10:20 am and arrival at 11:00 am and return with departure at 11:10 am and arrival at 11:55 am. On March 12, the closing day of the festival, both trains will then return with identical schedules as on March 5.

For more information visit the Italian railways foundation web site: https://www.fondazionefs.it/

Tickets are required at some events such as concerts and some folklore show. For more information, fully detailed schedules visit https:// agrigento.comune.digital/75-mandorlo-fiore