Cinisara Cheese

Cinisara Cheese: The cheese that tells the story of a land

Cinisara Cheese is the event in Cinisi, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, that celebrates the Cinisara cow and the cheeses crafted from its milk. Promoted by the Pro Loco Cinisi 2.Zero with the patronage of the Municipality of Cinisi and funding from the Regional Department of Agriculture, the event transforms the historic center into a journey of tastings, meetings, and immersive experiences to discover a unique rural heritage in Sicily.

The Cinisara cow: A breed to protect

The Cinisara is one of the rarest and most significant native cattle breeds in Western Sicily, officially recognized as a Slow Food Presidium. Its milk gives life to iconic local products: caciocavallo, caciotte, and ricotta, which are expressions of sustainable animal husbandry deeply rooted in the landscapes of Cinisi. The event focuses on this bond between animal, landscape, and community, offering visitors the chance to meet the farmers and cheesemakers who preserve these ancient skills.

The day's program

The event takes place throughout the day, from morning to evening, across the town's squares and streets:

• Bike ride and farm visit: A cycling tour open to all ages, in collaboration with the Margi Bikers association, reaching the La Vecchia Mannara farm—part of the Consortium for the protection of the Cinisara cattle breed—with tastings and workshops for children.
• Taste Area: All day long in the square, enjoy tastings of local products with the participation of the Commercial Activities Committee.
• "Everyone to the Table!": In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, a large communal table features Cinisara cow milk cheeses, accompanied by stories from producers, folk music, and performances of the local Cinisara folk dance.
• "The Magic of Milk" children's workshop: A fun, educational activity where children receive their "Milk Magician Diploma."
• "Discovering the Cinisara" talk: A meeting with veterinarians, scholars, and local producers to explore the history and future of the breed.

Culture, taste, and sustainability

Cinisara Cheese is more than just a gastronomic festival; it is an opportunity to reflect on the value of biodiversity and the identity of a town in the province of Palermo that has chosen to champion a heritage at risk of disappearing. Between performances, book presentations, and moments of conviviality, the event invites residents and visitors to rediscover the authentic flavors of rural Sicily.