Sant’Angelo Muxaro – 06 January
“A Vastasata di Nardu e Riberiu” and the Ricotta Festival.
In the small village of Agrigento, the world of shepherding and fields comes alive again on Epiphany Day with the Ricotta Festival.
One wakes up early in the morning to the sound of sheep bells walking the streets of the ancient village. In the meantime, in the square they start preparing cottage cheese as it was done in the old days: on three large stone blocks, a large pot is placed and brought to a boil under the watchful eye of the shepherd; and of the impatient visitors to taste the cheese while still hot: a real delicacy!
The program of events also includes the traditional horse parade in which the residents of Sant’Angelo Muxaro participate with great pride, adorning them with the most sumptuous decorations.
The program of the Vastasata, includes in the village in the early afternoon the arrival of Nardu and Ribberiu, two shepherds in traditional costume who, leading their flock through the village, initiate a comic farce with insults, falls, grotesque scenes, and quarrels, all under the annoyed eyes of their master, U Camperi.
After traveling through the village streets, the procession returns to the square, where the two shepherds fall asleep only to be awakened by the angel of the Lord who announces to them the birth of Jesus. Here one finds many little girls dressed in white robes reciting praises to God. In the evening, the on-stage performance of Herodias, followed by music and tasting of typical products.
