The 8th of March flower, the symbol of so many women’s struggles for freedom and civil rights, is something more for Liguria, an enchanting western italian region.
Mimosa is the spring messenger, a yellow cloud rising from one slope to another, an explosion of colour and energy where nature still sleeps, an image of simple, vital beauty.
Coming from the distant Tansmania, the Acacia Dealbata, this is the scientific name of the mimosa, arrived in this region in the 1800s and here it has settled down so well, that it has become one of the symbols, the main voice of floriculture and godmother of places, food and events.
Not everyone, for example, knows that there is a place called Capo Mimosa between the provinces of Imperia and Savona, a stone’s throw from Via Aurelia. A strip of hill all stretched out towards the sea, in the municipality of Cervo, which the tiny Rollo village is also part of.
Between the end of February and the beginning of March, here is a whole explosion of yellow; the cultivations and the plants of mimosa mark a blazing palette with the light blue of the sky, the small beaches and the deep blue of the sea.
Every year, in February, in the small village of Pieve Ligure, people celebrate the Mimosa Festival, a long-awaited event, during which people play homage to this plant with many initiatives: the Yellow March among the winding streets of the village; the blessing of the branches at the twelfth chime of the bell tower of San Michele Arcangelo Church; the afternoon parade of themed floats; photo contests, awards and of course, the free distribution of the mimosa.
From the territory to the taste, the step is short. In the last century, the shape and the colour of the mimosa inspired an eclectic pastry chef, Adelmo Renzi, who officially presented a new cake, in San Remo in 1962, on the occasion of a confectionery competition and in homage to the city of flowers. Renzi couldn’t do better, because the delicacy and the fragrance of this cake based on custard and Pan di Spagna (whose original recipe remains however secret) decline the lightness and colour of the mimosa flower.
What better dessert, to celebrate March 8th and all the women ?
Info: La mia Liguria #lamialiguria
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