‘A Fruttuola is undoubtedly a good representation of the ancient traditions of Cefalù.
Today, ‘a Fruttuola is a secular procession which does not involve the clergy and consists in a series of floral compositions alongside the ancient banners of the “Corporazione dei viddani” (the farmers’ guild). The procession is led by the tammurinaru (“tambourine player”), whose rhythmic roll of the instrument announces the arrival of the procession, which often consists of a group of children. Carrying a bread called ‘cucciddatu’ tied to the end of a stick, they praise the precious fruit of the earth while preceding a ferculum representing a monstrance, some trees with newly ripe fruit hanging from their branches, and other compositions, all made strictly from plants and flowers.
This festivity has ancient roots and symbolises the link between the earth and human labor.
