Wednesday, 24 April

The Cynara Festival will come alive on Wednesday, April 24th. From 12 p.m., the Prince of local agriculture becomes King, in the presence of journalists and taste connoisseurs directly in the field, amidst manual harvesting, visits to rural farms, and delightful tastings.

At 3 p.m., it will be the turn of the Maria Santissima dei Miracoli Music Band to cheer up the audience through the streets of the town; the Sicilian Cart and exhibition stands will then enliven the bustling Via Roma, where you can experience Sicilian excellence in its most authentic shades.

At 6 p.m., Giusy Battaglia, godmother of the Festival, will be ready to act as the spokesperson for the Cynara Award during the conference scheduled in the Cerda council chamber; following this, an in-depth talk, a new tribute to the Targa Florio, and The ancient myth of the Cynara Nymph transformed into an artichoke by the God Zeus, will be the theme of reference for the video mapping projected from 8:30 p.m. in the spaces of the Municipal Villa. According to Greek mythology, Cynara was, in fact, the name of a sweet deity, with green and purple eyes, and long ash-colored hair. The King of Olympus was madly in love with her, but after repeated rejections, he became so angry that he transformed her into the famous vegetable. The day will end with the spectacle of the Mirko Casadei Orchestra.

12:00 p.m. – Artichoke harvest, visits to rural farms, and lunch with tasting of the ancient recipes of the Cerda Ladies;

9:30 p.m. – Musical entertainment with the Mirko Casadei Orchestra.

N.B. All tasting moments will be paired with wines from the DOC Monreale.