Ficurì - I Scuzzulati of Piano Tavole

A festival dedicated to the Piano Tavole prickly pear

Ficurì - I Scuzzulati of Piano Tavole is the annual autumn festival in Cinisi, in the province of Palermo, that celebrates the prickly pear, one of Sicily's most iconic fruits. The event takes place along Corso Umberto I, which for an entire weekend becomes a sensory journey through the scents, flavors, and traditions of the Piano Tavole district.

Scuzzulatura: the secret of the late-harvest prickly pear

The event's name refers to scuzzulati, prickly pears produced through scuzzulatura: a traditional agricultural technique that involves removing the plant's first blossoms to encourage a second flowering. This ancient practice yields a late-harvest fruit that is sweeter, pulpier, and juicier. Ripening between September and October, it stands as a true local specialty of Cinisi. The festival was created specifically to showcase this unique cultivation and support its producers.

Tastings, cooking shows, and culinary culture

The program features food and wine stalls, tastings, and thematic workshops exploring innovative uses for the prickly pear, ranging from traditional cooking and pastry to mixology. The heart of the event lies in the live cooking shows featuring Sicilian chefs; previous editions have showcased local professionals such as Gianvito Gaglio, master pastry chef Santi Palazzolo, and Nicola Serra. The event also hosts conferences and talks focusing on the fruit and its supply chain.

Music, entertainment, and family fun

• Live music and cabaret performances along the main street;
• Local crafts and exhibitions, including photography displays dedicated to the Piano Tavole district;
• Group dancing and entertainment for all ages;
• Workshops and activities designed for children and families;
• The entertaining prickly pear Mistery Box and the Ficurì Regional Competition, dedicated to the best artistic cocktails made with prickly pears.

An event by the Municipality of Cinisi

The event is promoted by the Municipality of Cinisi with the support of the Regional Department of Productive Activities of the Sicilian Region. Included in the calendar of autumn festivals in the province of Palermo, Ficurì has quickly become a highly anticipated event for those looking to discover a local specialty and experience the hospitality of a village overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare, just a few kilometers from Palermo airport.