[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As per tradition, the feast of Saint Agatha will take place in Catania from February 3rd to 5th. It’s one of the most beautiful patron saint festivals in Italy, an event that attracts devotees and curious visitors from all over the world every year.
The Origins of the Celebration
In the 3rd century AD. Catania was under Roman rule. At that time, the Roman Empire persecuted those who professed the Christian faith. Agatha, belonging to a noble Catanian family, decided to consecrate herself to God from a young age, despite the dangers that such a choice entailed. Between 251 and 251 AD. The proconsul Quinziano arrived in the city. The Roman governor, having met the young Agatha, became infatuated with her, deciding to have her for himself and forcing her to renounce her faith in God. However, the girl, with her unwavering faith, rejected Quinziano’s material flatteries and decided to flee to the city of Palermo. The proconsul, having found the young woman, had her return to Catania, but seeing himself rejected by Agatha, he put her on trial, condemning her to imprisonment and the worst tortures, the last of which was to burn her alive on a bed of burning embers. During this event, it is said that the red veil, symbol of her faith in God, was not touched by the flames. It was also in a red veil that Agatha’s embalmed body was wrapped, and it is thanks to this that the city was reportedly spared from Mount Etna’s lava. Following these miracles, Pope Cornelius proclaimed her a saint.
The Festival
The celebrations in honor of Saint Agatha take place in Catania over three days, from February 3rd to 5th.
On the first day, the procession starts from the Church of Saint Agatha and proceeds to the Cathedral, attended by all the city authorities as well as citizens. During the procession, the characteristic “candelore” parade through the streets – large and heavy candles carried on the shoulders of bearers. The candles are made of wood and decorated in different styles, representing the twelve corporations of arts and crafts of the city. The first day closes in Piazza Duomo with a fireworks display.
The second day marks the true beginning of the religious festival. In the morning, the Dawn Mass is celebrated. The reliquary bust of Saint Agatha, contained within the “vara” (a precious silver temple finely decorated), is brought out from the “cameretta” (the small room that has safeguarded it for a year), and carried in procession by the devotees. According to tradition, these devotees are dressed in the traditional “sacco,” a long white canvas robe, and a black cap. White handkerchiefs are waved by a multitude of faithful, making this moment one of the most emotional of the entire celebration.
The last day of the festival begins with the celebration of the Pontifical Mass, attended by the highest religious authorities. The reliquary bust of Saint Agatha is displayed inside the Cathedral and in the afternoon is carried in procession for one last time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column typography_style=”white”][vc_cta h2=”Prenota il tuo transfer a Catania e partecipa alla festa di Sant’Agata” shape=”square” style=”flat” color=”sky” add_button=”right” btn_title=”Richiedi maggiori informazioni” btn_style=”flat” btn_color=”warning” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-weixin” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siciliashuttleservice.it%2Fcontatti%2F|||” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_custom_onclick=”true”][/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]
