Almond Blossom Festival
The grand international folklore festival amidst the temples of Agrigento
About Almond Blossom Festival
A spring celebration in the Valley of the Temples
The Almond Blossom Festival is the event that heralds the arrival of spring in Agrigento, Sicily, when the almond trees surrounding the famous Valley of the Temples are blanketed in white and pink blossoms. Established in the 1930s, the festival is now one of Italy's most renowned folk celebrations, rooted in a rural tradition that honors the rebirth of the land and the agricultural wealth of the Agrigento region.
Folklore from around the globe
At the heart of the event are the International Folklore Festival and the 'Children of the World' festival, which bring musical and dance groups from dozens of countries to Agrigento each year. For several days, the historic center, Viale della Vittoria, and Piazza Pirandello transform into a stage for traditional costumes, music, and dances that showcase distant cultures in a spirit of exchange and friendship between peoples.
Parades, Sicilian carts, and performances
The program alternates between band and folk group parades, performances in theaters and squares, events dedicated to children, and the traditional, richly decorated Sicilian carts, a symbol of the island's identity. The highlight evenings take place at the Palacongressi, while the Teatro Pirandello hosts performances by the children's groups.
The finale at the Temple of Concordia
The most evocative moment is the grand closing parade that winds through the city to the Valley of the Temples, where, at the foot of the majestic Temple of Concordia, the final ceremony takes place with the awarding of the Golden Temple, the prize for the best folk group, alongside awards for music, dance, and costumes.
Tradition and hospitality
Organized by the Municipality of Agrigento, the festival combines the promotion of Greek archaeological heritage with Sicilian popular culture, offering residents and visitors an intense week of free, family-friendly events. The festival is a unique opportunity to discover Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples during the blooming season, away from the summer tourist crowds.
Almond Blossom Festival — edition 2026
78th edition: Tradition of Peace
The 2026 edition of the Almond Blossom Festival was held in Agrigento from Saturday, March 7 to Sunday, March 15, with the theme 'Tradition of Peace'. The event brought together the 78th Festival, the 68th International Folklore Festival, and the 23rd 'Children of the World' Festival.
International groups
18 folk groups participated from Armenia, Bulgaria, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, Georgia, India, Kosovo, Malaysia, Malta, North Macedonia, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Serbia, Thailand, Ukraine, and Hungary, in addition to the children's festival groups.
Program
The festival began on March 7 with a band parade from Piazza Pirandello to Viale della Vittoria. On Sunday, March 8, the grand parade of international, regional, and children's folk groups took place. During the central days, the Teatro Pirandello hosted the 'Children of the World' Festival, while the Palacongressi hosted the International Folklore Festival evenings. The Torchlight Procession of Friendship preceded the finale.
The grand finale
On Sunday, March 15, the grand closing parade with Sicilian carts reached the Valley of the Temples, where the 2026 Golden Temple award ceremony took place at the foot of the Temple of Concordia.
Programme Almond Blossom Festival 2026
- Sat, March 7 – 5:00 PM: Band parade from Piazza Pirandello to Viale della Vittoria
- Sun, March 8 – 10:00 AM: Parade of international, regional, and children's folk groups
- Mon, March 9 – Thu, March 12 – Teatro Pirandello: 23rd International 'Children of the World' Festival
- Fri, March 13 – 5:00 PM: Torchlight Procession of Friendship; 9:00 PM: 68th International Folklore Festival at the Palacongressi
- Sat, March 14 – 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM: 68th International Folklore Festival at the Palacongressi
- Sun, March 15 – 9:00 AM: Grand closing parade with Sicilian carts; 2:00 PM: Closing ceremony and awarding of the 2026 Golden Temple at the Temple of Concordia
Highlights Almond Blossom Festival 2026
- 2026 Theme: 'Tradition of Peace'
- 18 international folk groups
- Sicilian cart parades
- 'Children of the World' Festival at Teatro Pirandello
- Finale at the Temple of Concordia with the Golden Temple award
Prices Almond Blossom Festival 2026
Practical information — Almond Blossom Festival
Getting there
Agrigento can be reached by car via the SS640 (from Caltanissetta) or the SS115 along the coast. By train, Agrigento Centrale station is connected to Palermo and Catania; the nearest airports are Palermo (Punta Raisi) and Catania-Fontanarossa, both about two hours away. The Valley of the Temples is just a few kilometers from the center and is served by local buses.
Tickets
Most events (parades, performances in squares) are free to access. Some shows at the Palacongressi may require a ticket: it is advisable to check the official channels of the Municipality of Agrigento.
Tips
We recommend arriving early for the large Sunday parades and booking accommodation well in advance, given the high turnout during the festival week.
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Where does it take place — Almond Blossom Festival
Valle dei Templi