Festa di Sant’Agata

In 2025, the Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania once again confirms itself as one of the most heartfelt and spectacular religious celebrations in the Mediterranean, blending spirituality, popular tradition, and collective devotion in a unique ritual that involves the entire city. From February 3rd to 5th, the historic center transforms into a stage of faith and participation, enlivened by hundreds of thousands of faithful, tourists, and the curious who flock to pay homage to the patron saint.

The atmosphere is intensely emotional from the first light of dawn, when the devotees don the traditional white "sack," a symbol of penance and humility, and prepare to follow the silver fercolo that holds the saint's relics. The streets fill with songs, prayers, and applause, while the slow and solemn procession passes through symbolic places associated with Agatha's life and martyrdom, creating a profound connection between historical memory and the present.

Fireworks, the "candelore"—enormous votive structures carried on the shoulders of devotees—and the incessant ringing of bells contribute to making the event a total sensory experience. The aroma of traditional sweets, such as cassatelle agatine, mingles with the smoke of incense, while decorative lights illuminate the city's baroque facades, enveloping it in a timeless atmosphere.

In 2025, particular attention will also be paid to the sustainability of the event, with initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting a conscious and respectful celebration of tradition. The Feast of Saint Agatha thus continues to represent not only a moment of profound religious devotion, but also a living expression of Catania's identity, capable of renewing itself over time without losing its authenticity.