Festival of Saint Agatha (Catania) facts for kids
The Festival of Saint Agatha (Italian: La festa di sant'Agata) is a huge religious celebration in Catania, Sicily. It honors Agatha of Sicily, who is the city's special patron saint. This festival is one of the biggest Catholic events globally. Lots of people join in or watch it every year.
The festival happens every year from February 3rd to 5th. There is also a smaller celebration on August 17th. The February dates remember Saint Agatha's death for her faith. The August date celebrates her body returning to Catania. Her remains had been taken to Constantinople for 86 years.
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Why Saint Agatha is Celebrated
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People in Sicily celebrate Saint Agatha because they believe she helps protect them. They think she has stopped dangers from Mount Etna eruptions and earthquakes. She is also believed to have helped during some sickness outbreaks in Catania. The festival also shows how Christians stood strong against unfair treatment long ago.
Festival Days and Events
Day 1: February 3rd
The three-day festival starts at noon on February 3rd. A procession called “della luminaria” begins. Eleven large, decorated candles called Cannalori are carried. These candles have fancy gold cases. They walk from the Church of Sant'Agata alla Fornace to the Cathedral of St. Agatha. Each candelora stands for one of the old craft guilds.
Later, at 3:00 PM, a cross-country race takes place. Runners go through the streets of the town. In the evening, there is a concert in the Piazza del Duomo. The day ends with a fireworks show.
Day 2: February 4th
The next day starts with a special early morning Mass. It is called "Messa dell’Aurora." After the Mass, a silver carriage leaves the cathedral. On top of it is a bust (head and shoulders statue) of Saint Agatha. This carriage is pulled through the city's neighborhoods. It passes by places linked to Saint Agatha's life.
Devoted followers wear a special white tunic. This long white robe goes down to their ankles. It is tied at the waist with a rope. The celebrations continue all through the night. Brightly decorated stands sell traditional street food. You can find arancini (tasty rice balls) and beccafico sardines. These sardines are made with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, and raisins.
Day 3: February 5th
On the fifth day, another procession takes place after Mass. The heavy silver carriage is pulled up a very steep hill. If the carriage makes it up successfully, people believe it means good luck for the rest of the year.
