Cynara Festival — Cerda Artichoke Festival
The grand celebration of the Cerda Spiny Artichoke, blending flavor, folklore, and Sicilian tradition
About Cynara Festival
The Cynara Festival, the Cerda artichoke celebration
In the heart of northern Sicily, the town of Cerda, in the province of Palermo (Sicily Region), dedicates an entire festival every spring to its most famous product: the Cerda Spiny Artichoke. The Cynara Festival — Artichoke Festival is one of the island's most beloved food and wine events, drawing thousands of visitors from all over Sicily to savor a vegetable that represents not just a dish here, but a true territorial identity.
A tradition born in 1982
The event began in 1982 to promote the cultivation of the spiny artichoke, the main resource of Cerda's agricultural economy. Over the years, the festival has grown into a highly anticipated regional event, now presented under the name Cynara Festival, derived from the artichoke's botanical name. The heart of the festival is Piazza La Mantia, where the famous artichoke monument stands tall—a nine-meter sculpture by Dino Pantano that has become the town's symbol and an essential backdrop for every edition.
Flavors, folklore, and entertainment
For four days, the streets and squares of Cerda are filled with food stalls where the artichoke is served in every possible way: artichoke arancine, sausage and artichoke sandwiches, and traditional dishes accompanied by local bread. Alongside the tastings, the program offers:
- performances by folk groups, flag-wavers, and traditional Sicilian carts;
- shows by local dance schools;
- concerts, live bands, and DJ sets;
- cabaret shows featuring nationally renowned comedians;
- conferences and award ceremonies for local excellence.
Between Targa Florio and social commitment
The festival maintains a historical link with the Targa Florio, the legendary car race that once crossed these Madonie roads: there is no shortage of moments dedicated to motors and vintage cars. In recent years, the event has also added a strong social dimension, with mototherapy activities for children and awareness-raising moments, proving that this festival remains deeply connected to the community.
A spring appointment in Sicily
Traditionally held around April 25th, the Cerda Artichoke Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the province of Palermo, taste an excellent product, and experience warm Sicilian hospitality. Amidst scents, colors, and music, the Cynara Festival is an unmissable stop for anyone who loves genuine Sicilian festivals.
Cynara Festival — edition 2026
Cynara Festival 2026: the 44th edition
The 44th Cerda Artichoke Festival returns from April 23 to 26, 2026 with a four-day program featuring free admission, blending taste, entertainment, and tradition in the heart of the town of Cerda (Palermo).
The daily program
- Thursday, April 23 — opening with the first sausage and artichoke sandwiches and live music by the Made in Italy Cover Band.
- Friday, April 24 — official inauguration, opening of the stands, awards for Cerda's excellence, tasting of artichoke arancine, and evening entertainment with Barracuda Entertainment and a special guest from Radio 105, with a DJ set.
- Saturday, April 25 — peak day: marching band, Bersaglieri, institutional greetings, flag-raising, and national anthem, tastings of dishes based on the Cerda Spiny Artichoke, folk performances, and evening cabaret with Giovanni Cacioppo.
- Sunday, April 26 — closing with the Peace Demonstration and mototherapy activities dedicated to children.
Programme Cynara Festival 2026
Thursday, April 23: opening, sausage and artichoke sandwiches, live music with Made in Italy Cover Band.
Friday, April 24: official inauguration, opening of stands, awards for Cerda's excellence, artichoke arancine tasting, entertainment with Barracuda Entertainment and a special guest from Radio 105, DJ set.
Saturday, April 25: marching band, Bersaglieri, institutional greetings, anthem and flag-raising, tastings of Spiny Artichoke dishes, performances by dance schools and folk groups, evening cabaret with Giovanni Cacioppo.
Sunday, April 26: Peace Demonstration and mototherapy activities for children.
Highlights Cynara Festival 2026
- Cabaret with Giovanni Cacioppo (Saturday, April 25)
- Tastings of the Cerda Spiny Artichoke: arancine, sandwiches, traditional dishes
- Marching band, Bersaglieri, and folk groups
- Mototherapy for children and Peace Demonstration
- Artichoke monument in Piazza La Mantia
Prices Cynara Festival 2026
Practical information — Cynara Festival
Getting there
Cerda is located in the province of Palermo, along the Tyrrhenian coast. By car, it can be reached via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Buonfornello exit) or the A20; by train, the reference station is Cerda, on the Palermo-Messina line. The nearest airport is Palermo Falcone-Borsellino.
Admission and hours
Admission to the event is free. Food stalls and shows mainly take place in Piazza La Mantia and the town center, during the late afternoon and evening.
Tips
We recommend arriving early on peak days to find parking. Don't miss the arancine and the spiny artichoke sandwiches, as well as the traditional photo in front of the artichoke monument.
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Where does it take place — Cynara Festival
Piazza La Mantia e centro storico
Piazza La Mantia, 90052 Cerda