San Cono celebrates 40th anniversary of prickly pear festival

The Sicilian town of San Cono is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Sagra del Ficodindia (Prickly Pear Festival) from October 2 to 4. The event highlights the region's status as a major hub for prickly pear production, with the local area and surrounding districts encompassing approximately 2,500 hectares and an annual production of 400,000 quintals.

A central feature of the anniversary is the ‘Spine di Gusto – Young Chef Contest,’ organized by Cronache di Gusto. The competition features four emerging Sicilian chefs—Martina Dodeci, Giovanni Lullo, Luca Fichera, and another participant—who will compete using prickly pear as a primary ingredient. The judging panel includes renowned chef Ciccio Sultano.

Mayor Cono Calaciura emphasized that the crop is vital to the local landscape, economy, and employment, noting the goal to further promote this heritage in national and European markets. The festival will include gastronomy, traditional performances, and discussions involving producers, chefs, and industry professionals to address the future of the supply chain.