The almond festival in Agrigento

Here is one of the most significant festivals which takes place in Sicily. Even if it isn't a religious feast we would like you to know in order

to appreciate our beautiful and sunny island.

The almond festival is a feast that takes place every year in Agrigento in the first week of february to celebrate the coming of a new season: spring. This festival was created in 1934 with the aim of promoting local products.

In 1937 the feast moved to Agrigento and took the official name of festival of the almond tree.

After a few years it became an international event with the participation of folk groups coming from all over the world exhibiting along the streets in a colurful and joyful atmosphere.

In 1941 the event unfortunately didn't take place because of the outbreak of the second World War.

In 1948 it was arranged again with even more groups and becoming successful and known all over the world. This brought in Sicily lots of tourists who decided to visit the island in february just to see the event. The festival also had a peaceful message of friendship among the peoples all over the world. Actually the most exciting moment of the feast is the procession of the torch of friendship just in front of the temple of Concordia towards the sunset. The following sunday a big parade with all the international groups, sicilian typical carts and colourfuls bands passes along the streets going from the towncentre to the Valley of Temples; the final show takes place at the temple of Concordia with the awarding of the Golden temple, the prize for the most impressive group.