Cavuliceddi Day

A festival dedicated to cavuliceddi

Cavuliceddi Day is a food and wine event held in Partinico, in the province of Palermo (Sicily), celebrating an unexpected star of Sicilian peasant cuisine: cavuliceddi. These are a wild shrubby cabbage (a variety of Brassica) that once grew abundantly in the Partinico countryside and, during times of economic hardship, graced family tables as a humble yet nutritious dish. With the advent of prosperity, this wild green almost vanished from everyday cooking; Cavuliceddi Day was born to rediscover and revalue it, sharing its history and identity.

Organizers

The event is conceived and managed by the Ottocannoli Association of Partinico, which gathers local chefs and cooks every year to reinterpret cavuliceddi in a gourmet style. The result is a surprising menu where a humble herb becomes the common thread through appetizers, first courses, main courses, and desserts, all designed to impress and highlight the deep connection to the land.

The Venue: Real Cantina Borbonica

The evening takes place at the Real Cantina Borbonica, one of Partinico's most fascinating monuments. This pre-industrial building was commissioned by Ferdinand III of Sicily between 1800 and 1803, designed by the royal architect Carlo Chenchi, a student of Vanvitelli. With its cross vaults and spaces that once housed the massive wine press, the Cantina offers a stunning neoclassical setting, perfect for an event that weaves together historical memory and food culture.

What to expect

• Cavuliceddi-themed dinner: A full menu, from appetizer to dessert, featuring the wild green in both creative and traditional dishes.
• Unfiltered Cerasuola extra virgin olive oil: Locally produced and the star of the seasoning.
• Sicilian wines: Paired with the meal, often featuring various local wineries.
• Live music and exhibitions: Entertainment throughout the dinner and themed displays (past editions have featured vintage motorcycles).
• Charity focus: A portion of the proceeds is donated to charity, such as the pediatric oncology department of the Civico Hospital in Palermo.

More than just a food festival, Cavuliceddi Day is a convivial evening that combines the promotion of typical Partinico products with the rediscovery of popular traditions and a commitment to solidarity: an unmissable event for those wanting to taste authentic Sicily in a unique historical setting.