Historic shops of sugared almonds shaped into flowers and ears of wheat
Sulmona is the Italian capital of confetti, the sugared almonds that in Italy accompany the most important moments of life, from baptisms to weddings, communions and graduations. Their production here dates back at least to the fifteenth century, when the nuns of the convent of Santa Chiara made them by hand, and became a real industry in the following centuries. A confetto is made of a toasted almond, or another filling, covered with layers of sugar in rotating basins, the "bassine", without the use of starch or flour, according to the traditional Sulmona recipe, which gives a smooth, white and crunchy coating. Today there are also confetti with chocolate, fruit and many other fillings.
But what makes Sulmona's confetti unique is the art of shaping them into flowers: the confetti are tied with silk paper and wire to form roses, daisies, ears of wheat, bunches of grapes, baskets and bouquets of all colours, real works of art that fill the windows of the shops along Corso Ovidio, creating a joyful and colourful spectacle. The most famous company, Pelino, has been producing confetti since 1783 and houses the Museo dell'Arte e della Tecnologia Confettiera, which displays old machinery, tools and documents on the history of confectionery. In the shops, you can watch the artisans compose the flowers, taste the different varieties and buy beautiful gifts and souvenirs.
Tip: visit the Pelino museum, free of charge; buy a bouquet of confetti flowers as a souvenir, a typical gift of Sulmona.
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