The city of Agrigento welcomes the season of flowers with an annual event that attracts tourists from all over the world: the Mandorlo in Fiore Festival. Local and international artists, musicians, folk groups, chefs, local producers, and, of course, Sicilian almond trees will be the stars of a truly unique spectacle.
An explosion of white and pink petals colors the landscapes of Agrigento as early as the first days of February. However, the official celebrations for the almond blossom begin on March 9 and run through March 16, 2025. This ancient ritual symbolizes nature’s rebirth after the harsh winter. For over seventy years, the festival has been hosting the International Folklore Festival, bringing together folk groups from Agrigento and around the world. Participants have included groups from Cameroon, Colombia, Mexico, and Slovakia, among many others. The International Festival I Bambini del Mondo (Children of the World) also runs alongside the Mandorlo in Fiore Festival, featuring a lively parade of children from diverse ethnic backgrounds who help open the festivities.
This world-renowned event was first held over eighty years ago in the town of Naro, thanks to Count Alfonso Gaetani, who wanted to promote Sicily’s traditional products. This is why, even today, local chefs and producers actively participate, offering visitors the chance to taste Sicilian delicacies. The festival kicks off at sunset with an evocative visit to the Valley of the Temples, followed by the lighting of the “Flame of Friendship” at the Temple of Concordia. The festival’s highlight, however, takes place during the closing ceremony, when folk groups parade in a vibrant procession from the city to the Valley of the Temples, accompanied by traditional Sicilian carts and marching bands. The grand finale features an extraordinary artistic performance at the foot of the Temple of Concordia, culminating in the prestigious Tempio d’Oro (Golden Temple) award ceremony. This coveted prize, assigned by an international jury, honors the best performances in dance and song, as well as the most exquisite traditional costumes.
This year, Agrigento has also been named the Italian Capital of Culture, offering a rich and diverse cultural program that goes beyond a single event—it is a journey of discovery and transformation. Artists, philosophers, and storytellers from around the world will engage with local communities, enhancing the cultural and natural heritage of Agrigento and its surroundings. A wide range of activities—including performances, workshops, discussions, itineraries, art exhibitions, creative projects, and innovative ways of experiencing and visiting reopened or newly accessible sites—will guide visitors toward new perspectives, rediscovering the essence of human connection, otherness, and nature, all inspired by the unparalleled beauty of Agrigento’s landscape.
