The prickly pear festival of Roccapalumba

In Roccapalumba, in the province of Palermo, the Opuntia ficus indica Fest, or Prickly Pear Festival, is held every year. This fruit of Mexican origin has become one of the symbols of Sicily. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, who come to Roccapalumba to enjoy many prickly pear recipes and more.

The prickly pear festival of Roccapalumba:

• • Roccapalumba, land of stars and prickly pears
  • The Opuntia ficus indica Fest

Roccapalumba, land of stars and prickly pears

Roccapalumba is located about sixty kilometers from Palermo, at the foot of the Rocca, an imposing limestone massif about 600 meters high, in whose crevices many wild doves nest. Hence the origin of the name. According to some scholars, the ancient worship of the goddess Demeter, a deity for whom doves were sacred animals, was practiced in this place. Also in the same place are the remains of the church of Santa Maria Caluci: Marian veneration probably replaced the cult of Demeter.
The town of Roccapalumba in recent years has distinguished itself for its commitment to astronomical popularization. In fact, a well-known astronomical observatory, equipped with a powerful telescope, is located here. There are many astronomy-related activities held periodically in the village, attracting an important following of astronomy enthusiasts.
In addition, the village is famous for its prickly pear production. The cultivation of this fruit is a major item in the local agricultural economy. Prickly pears are grown on large plots of land. The fruit of Mexican origin has found in the soil of Roccapalumba a perfect habitat on which to thrive. Each year, therefore, a sacred festival is held that has now reached national significance.

The Opuntia ficus indica Fest

In the past the prickly pear was little cultivated and enjoyed little commercial value. In recent years this fruit has been greatly revalued, aided by its remarkable nutritional properties. It is a low-calorie fruit, rich in fiber, plant sterols, minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C, calcium, potassium and carotenoids. It is rich in antioxidants, stimulates diuresis, helps kidney purification, and reduces the risk of stones. This fruit can be consumed by various preparations. Its flowers can also be used to prepare diuretic and anti-inflammatory decoctions. The skin of the prickly pear is used to make mostarda, a typical Sicilian spoon dessert. Their leaves, called “shovels,” can also be eaten. The prickly pear has been included by the Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies in the PAT, or list of traditional Italian food products, as a typical Sicilian product. Interest in local regional products is growing, as is interest in organic crops. The prickly pear has become a symbol of this trend in Sicily, and there are more and more events related to this fruit.

The Opuntia ficus indica Fest or Sagra del Ficodindia in Roccapalumba hosts thousands of people each year. Recent editions have reached 30,000 attendees. The prickly pear has become a symbol for this area and dozens of events are organized to celebrate it. Tastings, taste workshops are organized, and menus entirely based on prickly pears are offered. There are many concerts and shows, exhibitions and culinary competitions.

This year the event, now in its XXII edition, will be held Oct. 14-16.

More information:
Opuntia Ficus Indica FEST facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054426402429

Photo Credits:
Pxhere.com Photo