Description

Festival of St. Agatha

If you want to discover folklore, the Sicilian tradition, or even the most authentic and true Catania you can not miss the participation in the feast of St. Agatha, celebrated every year from 3 to 5 February, by a spectacular procession to Torches called luminaria. Rent one of our charming Villas and live it up!

The first day is devoted to the procession of the candelori, 11 enormous candles integrated in gilded baroque coffers, weighing up to 1000 kg and transported by the faithful. On the morning of February 4th, the procession of the relics begins, the chariot of the patron saint being drawn by devotees dressed in the traditional white bag and velvet black beret shouting "Long live Agathe! ". On the 5th of February, a real procession takes place, a new procession is organized, this time with the shrine of the saint once again visiting the city: from Piazza Duomo, passing Via Etnea to undertake the 'cchianata' di San Giuliano and reach the beautiful Via Crociferi.

The Feast of St. Agatha is celebrated on February 5 in memory of her martyrdom dating 251 AD. J-C. Agathe belongs to the rich nobility of Catania of the III century a. J-C; Of Christian religion she is the victim of religious persecutions, in addition that she refuses to marry the consul Quintilian. She is then thrown into prison, tortured (her breasts are torn off) and martyred with burning brands and red-hot spikes. From that moment, Catania has not ceased to witness her worship and devotion to the young and beautiful Agathe, who is also credited with miracles as having saved the city from a lava flow in 252.

It is really a big party, full of color and music, which attracts every year tens of thousands of pilgrims, devotees, tourists and curious people from all over Sicily!

Traditionally, during the holidays, the local pastry is enriched with, among its specialties, the minni of Sant'Agata (the breasts of Sainte Agathe), a sort of small frozen domes surmounted by a cherry, reminiscent of martyrdom Of the saint.

Take a look at our charming villas in the holiday rentals section, make a free enquire and enjoy the Festival of St. Agata in Catania with SunTripSicily!

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