03/29/2026
Have you ever seen this traditional Easter lamb before? Do you know where in Italy it was first made?
As Easter celebrations begin today with Domenica delle Palme, my mind goes back to 2023. When this dessert lamb was made for me in the very town where the nuns are believed to have first created this tradition.
As this was one of my many trips to Sicily, I chose to base myself in a less visited town in the area of Agrigento. I was drawn in by the marketing of their Culture Farm Park and its proximity to my nonna’s hometown.
When I arrived, I was a bit surprised. There are some beautiful initiatives and signs of life, but parts of the town still feel abandoned. It was a bit emotional to experience. Not empty, not forgotten, just not what I expected.
One afternoon, I spoke with the hotel desk attendant. He kindly offered me a more in-depth tour of their
4-star hotel, complete with a lovely rooftop, though noticeably quiet. He shared how, just before 2020, the town was finally gaining momentum. Visitors were coming, investments were happening, and then everything stopped.
“There’s uncertainty,” he said, “but hope too.”
To brighten the mood a bit, that’s when I asked him about local traditions, including this almond and pistachio lamb that was said to be created in town…
If you’re interested in reading more of the story, click here : https://substack.com/home/post/p-192205227
Or if you are simply curious about the name of the Italian village behind the “Agnello Pasquale” (or “Agnello di Favara”), it’s Favara. 😉
life in italy, Easter traditions, Sicily
