Early February will bring Sicily more than the promise of a fragrant spring: the annual Almond Blossom Festival will once again be arriving in Agrigento along with thousands of visitors.
(TRAVPR.COM) UK - January 29th, 2013 - Taking place for more than a full week, the Almond Blossom Festival dates back to 1934 and has been an Agrigento event since just a few years later. This year's festivities will take place beginning on the first Sunday in February and will present visitors with a particularly good time to visit Agrigento, since the International Festival of Folklore and the Festival of the Children of the World often take place in the town during the same window.
Agrigento is located along the southern coastline of Sicily and is a popular tourist site even when the almond blossoms are not expected, largely because of the area's outstanding archaeological heritage. The Roman Temple of Concordia, for example, was converted for use as a centre of Christian worship prior to the year 600 and, for this reason, has remained largely intact through the ensuing centuries. The area surrounding the Temple also served as a catacombs site for early Christians.
Agrigento's Temple of Olympian Zeus is also notable, even though it is less well preserved. Commemorating a battle fought in 480 BC, it is regarded by experts as the world's single largest Doric temple ever attempted. Construction halted in 406 BC and the temple was never completed.
Guests who arrive in Agrigento for the Almond Blossom Festival typically enjoy a traditional walk along the Valley of the Temples. This route takes them past some of the town's archaeological wonders.
Another special event that traditionally forms a part of the festival is the annual almond night, which involves bringing visitors into contact with local musical groups.
For more details on this year's Almond Blossom Festival, please visit the Italy Magazine website at http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy-featured/agrigento/almond-blossom-festival-agrigento-sicily.
Anyone planning on visiting Sicily for the Almond Blossom Festival and still requiring holiday accommodation should visit Quality Villas Italy on www.QualityVillasItaly.co.uk for a selection of high quality holiday villas all over the island.
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