L'Inverdurata: an artistic event that takes place every year in May in Pachino, a town in the province of SIRACUSAin southeastern Sicily. For the occasion, the streets of the historic center of the city are transformed into a large exhibition of works of art made of fruit and vegetables. Among the most popular vegetables are the famous cherry tomatoes produced in the area that bear the name of the city. The event is very similar to the infiorata held in many Italian cities; only that the works of art are not composed of flowers but of fruits and vegetables. Every year the event has a different theme which inspires local artists, school students and volunteers from associations. All together to create green creations. Artists create vegetable mosaics, sculptures and other works using only local produce and traditional techniques.
The history of the greenery
The Inverdurata di Pachino was born in 2004, promoted by the Pachino anti-crime association (Apac), which adheres to the Italian national anti-racket federation Fai, which has always been committed to defending legality. The first event with plant mosaics that has legality and the fight against the mafia as its theme is held along the slope of via Roma, near the square of Pachino, with the title "Legality and Illegality". Over time, the event will move to via Cavour, a parallel to via Roma, the main road leading to the center of Pachino. Over the years, various topics have been addressed, such as “The Places of Montalbano", “Lo Spettacolo del Circo”, “Sicilia bedda between history, art, myths and colors“. Today the Inverdurata di Pachino attracts numerous tourists and visitors who come to the Syracusan town to admire the beauty of these green mosaics where art blends perfectly with the agri-food production of the area.
The mosaics
The creation of the mosaics during the vegetable, is a very long and laborious process that involves many people and associations, requiring great teamwork. The drawings sketched and designed on paper are then transferred to the street. Then, a base of colored sand, the fruit and vegetables are laid down so that a complete and detailed design is created. The process requires a lot of patience and precision with the involvement of many volunteers. The entire event is an ephemeral and evocative work of art that celebrates the excellence of local agriculture and the creativity of its artists. The main ingredients of this colorful feast are fresh and colorful vegetables, used to create lively and vibrant mosaics.
The colors used for the artwork are a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues. The choice of colors used for the mosaics is carefully studied to create unique and exciting works that celebrate the cultural identity of Sicily and its local agricultural production. The event celebrates the beauty of agriculture and the art of Trinacria. Thanks to it, the local community has the opportunity to show the world the richness of the area and its millenary culture. The 2023 edition is scheduled for 12 to 15 May next.
(Inverdurata images of Pachino)
