The “Fiera del Mandorlo in Fiore” (Almond Blossom) Festival) has been celebrated every year for 74 editions and wants to celebrate both the flowering of almond trees, linked to a Greek myth of the past, and the arrival of spring. It is held in the city of Agrigento which, on the occasion, hosts a number of interesting events that take place in various areas of the city, from the Palacongressi to the famous outdoors Valley of the Temples. Among the most heartfelt ceremonies we must mention the two main ones. The opening and closing of the event, as well as the parade of Sicilian carts and the lighting of the torch of friendship.

Fairs in Agrigento: Fiera del Mandorlo in fiore (Almond Blossom Fair) 2019, all useful info

Among the fairs in Agrigento, there is certainly one that deserves a mention and it is the 74th edition of the Mandorlo in fiore Festival: a very long-awaited celebration in Sicily, full of interesting events and moments of sharing, celebration and conviviality, in honor of the arrival of spring. The festival will begin on Friday 1 March and will end on Sunday 10 March. As usual, the dances will kick off the opening ceremony, with a view of the sunset over the splendid valley of the Temples, and will end with the lighting of the “torch of Friendship“, in front of the Concord Temple.

Why is the Fair of Mandorlo in fiore the most beautiful among the festivals of Agrigento?

The Fair of the Almond in Blossom of Agrigento is held every year to celebrate the arrival of spring and the flowering of the almond trees, typical of the Agrigento territory. The almond trees are connected to a myth, written by Homer, which tells of the blossoming of the almond tree. The myth is related to the romance between Acamante and Filllide. According to a legend, Acamante left Agrigento to fight the Trojan War. Fillide waited for his return for years and years, but at the return of the victorious warriors, Acamante was not with them. Fillide fell into despair and died. The goddess Athena, touched by her death, transformed her into a splendid almond tree. In fact, Acamante was not dead, he had simply had a problem on the way. Back in the city and discovering the death of his beloved, he went to the almond tree and embraced it. And it blossomed there and then as a sign that it had recognized him.

Fiera del Mandorlo in fiore (Almond Blossom Fair) 2019: What to see

The Mandorlo in fiore fair 2019 like every year will be an event that affects not only the entire city of Agrigento but also the neighboring towns. There are no costs related to the event, if not, occasionally, those for participation in certain specific activities, which you can consult online. For the rest, everything that has to do with the major event is free. If you are wondering what to see at the Mandorlo in fiore (Almond Blossom) 2019, know that you should not miss the famous closing parade of Sicilian carts, a unique pleasantly folkloristic event.

What to see in Agrigento during the Fiera del Mandorlo in fiore

Of course visiting Agrigento for the Fair of Mandorlo in fiore (Almond Blossom) 2019 also represents a great opportunity to do some sightseeing in the area and taste the excellent Sicilian street food. The Valley of the Temples is certainly one of the most breathtaking tourist attractions, together with the Greek necropolis, that must be seen.

Agrigento is a tourist town, ready to welcome visitors from all over the world. For anyone wishing to discover more about the history behind every ruin of the past, it is very easy to book an authorized tourist guide to accompany them during the excursions. The guides are made available both by tour operators and private agencies and by the Pro Loco of the municipality itself.