Sant’Agata 2024: The calendar of Agatine festivities
Discover the richness of Catania during the Agatine festivities: enchanting traditions and engaging events await you for an authentic experience
Every year, during the festivities dedicated to Saint Agatha, the city of Catania comes to life with a series of events that celebrate the life of the patron saint and explore the millennia-old traditions that characterize this festival.
Join us in exploring some of the most significant events that enrich the period of the Sant’Agata 2024 festivities.
Cultural Events Schedule for “Sant’Agata 2024”
Guided Tours at Palazzo degli Elefanti organized by the “Tourist Guides Catania” Association
Discover the charm of the Catania City Hall, Palazzo degli Elefanti, with guided tours organized by the Catania Tourist Guides Association. Take advantage of three unmissable appointments to immerse yourself in the history and art of the city under the expert guidance of passionate professionals.
When: January 14, 21, and 28 – 9:30 AM / 10:00 AM / 10:30 AM / 11:00 AM
Where: Palazzo degli Elefanti
Free admission
Symphonic “Matinee Concert”
Live an extraordinary experience that blends cultural richness with the magic of music in the charming heart of Catania during the Agatine festivities. The Municipal Palace opens its doors to reveal artistic treasures, while the Catanese Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Fabio Raciti, will perform, delivering emotions through the masterpieces of Vivaldi, Mozart, Delibes, and Offenbach.
When: January 14, 21, and 28 – 11:00 AM
Where: Palazzo degli Elefanti
Free admission
Photographic Exhibition “Aqua et Mulier” by Giuseppe La Spada
Twenty unique works printed on aluminum using Ultragloss technology tell the profound connection between water and women in the evocative backdrop of the Sicilian sea. An artistically significant event, curated by Miliza Rodic and included in the official calendar of the Feast of the Patron Saint of Catania.
When: From January 18 to 29 – every day
Where: Palazzo della Cultura
Free admission
“Agata, the Holy Maiden” – Theatrical Performance by G. Anfuso
The theatrical epic by Giovanni Anfuso, inspired by the Martyrdom of Saint Agatha, returns with a cast of talented actors and new protagonists. Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna at the end of World War II, the show provides a thrilling narrative about the history of Agatha, her martyrdom, relics, and treasures, offering an innovative perspective on the Patron Saint of Catania.
When: From January 25 to February 2 – 8:30 PM
Where: St. Nicholas’ Church
Ticket: € 16,50
The days of celebration
Saturday, February 3rd – Luminary Procession and Wax Offering
The Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania begins on February 3rd with the wax offering and the enchanting Candlemas procession through the streets of the city. The ornate Baroque candles, representing the ancient city guilds, parade with elegance following a precise order, accompanied by the eighteenth-century carriage of the ancient Catania Senate. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks show, symbolizing the constant vigilance of the patron saint over Mount Etna’s fire.
7:30 AM and 10:00 AM – Holy Masses in the Chapel of Saint Agatha.
11:30 AM – Departure of the Senate Carriage.
12:00 PM – Procession for the wax offering from the Church of Saint Agatha to the Furnace to the Cathedral Basilica. Civil, religious, and military authorities will participate. In the Cathedral, a solemn “TE DEUM” and Eucharistic blessing.
8:30 PM – Awaiting the Patroness – fireworks show at Duomo Square.
Sunday, February 4th – Dawn Mass and Procession Outside the Walls
Catania comes alive to celebrate with great emotion the encounter with its patron saint, Saint Agatha. Devotees participate wearing the distinctive “sacco,” a white votive smock. The procession on February 4th traverses significant locations linked to the life of Saint Agatha and the history of Catania. The captivating “giro” concludes late at night when the procession solemnly returns to the cathedral.
8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM – Holy Masses in the Cathedral
7:00 AM – Procession of the Relics of Saint Agatha from Porta Uzeda. In front of the Icon of the Madonna della Lettera, Archbishop will offer a candle to the Holy Patroness. In front of the Chapel of the Most Holy Savior in Via Dusmet, homage from the Port Authority and the Harbor Master’s Office. The procession will continue through the streets Calì, Piazza Cutelli, Via Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza dei Martiri, Via VI Aprile, Della Libertà, Piazza Iolanda, the streets Umberto, Grotte Bianche, Piazza Carlo Alberto; in front of the Sanctuary of the SS. Annunziata al Carmine. It proceeds towards Piazza Stesicoro where Archbishop will address the faithful with the traditional message to the City. Along the ascent of the Cappuccini and Piazza S. Domenico, the Sacred Relics will reach the Church of S. Agata la Vetere. The procession continues through the streets Plebiscito, Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Risorgimento, Via Aurora, Palermo, Piazza Palestro, Via Garibaldi, Plebiscito, Dusmet. Return to Piazza Duomo through Porta Uzeda.
Monday, February 5th – Procession Within the Walls
The day begins with the celebration of the pontifical Mass in the cathedral in the late morning. At sunset, the second part of the procession takes place through the streets of Catania, including the “Borgo” district, which welcomed refugees from Misterbianco after the eruption of 1669. The most anticipated moment is the passage through Via San Giuliano, considered the most dangerous point of the entire route due to its slope. Overcoming this “obstacle” is interpreted as a heavenly sign of good or bad omen for the coming year. Late at night, the festivities conclude with spectacular fireworks when the reliquary and the shrine are returned to the cathedral. The joy of having celebrated the holy martyr for the salvation of faith and the city compensates for all the efforts.
8:00 AM – Holy Mass in the St. Agatha Abbey.
10:00 AM – Authorities with the banners of the City, Province, and University will proceed from the Palazzo degli Elefanti to the Cathedral.
10:15 AM – Liturgical procession from the Archbishop’s Palace to the Cathedral Basilica for the Solemn Pontifical Mass.
1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM – Holy Masses in the Cathedral.
5:00 PM – Procession of the Sacred Relics through Via Etnea; in front of the Collegiate Basilica, floral tribute from the Chapter of the canons and members of the Citizen’s Circle S. Agata; the procession continues through Via Caronda, Piazza Cavour, Via Etnea, Sangiuliano, Crociferi; in front of the Church of San Benedetto, floral tribute from the Benedictine nuns of perpetual adoration. The procession moves on to Piazza S. Francesco d’Assisi, Via della Lettera, Garibaldi, Piazza Duomo. Upon return to the Cathedral, a ceremony of blessing and thanksgiving presided over by Archbishop.
Monday, February 12 – The Eighth and the official conclusion of the holiday
The City of Catania is pleased to be able to see its beloved Patron Saint on the occasion of the Eighth of the Feast of Saint Agatha, a more intimate celebration that marks the definitive conclusion of the winter celebrations.
08.00 AM – Exposition of the Holy Remains for devotees in the Cathedral.
02.30 PM- Holy Mass for the Saints and Sick in the Cathedral.
07.00 PM– Holy Procession of the relics in Piazza Duomo with the presence of the city authorities and the return to the Crypt of the Saint martyr Agatha.