The Saint leaves the cathedral
When?
At 5 pm.
Where?
At the Cathedral
The small circle procession
When?
Starts at 5 pm.
Where?
The procession starts at the cathedral and goes up Via Etnea. When to the procession reaches Piazza Borgo, it turns back and goes down Via Etnea until reaching Antonio San Giuliano Street, at which point it turns up again until until Via Crociferi and then returns to the Cathedral.
See bellow the route map:
Short circle procession map of the 5th February (Saint Agatha festival in Catania)
The devotee procession
When?
All day long but it becomes especially stunning at night.
Where?
On the procession route
What is going on?
The devotees are carrying huge wax candles along the procession route. The candles, which can weigh up to 70kg, are symbols of devotees’ vow and devotion.
The devotee prays singing
When?
From (roughly) 8 pm until 11 pm.
Where?
At the church Santa Maria della Mercede in Via Caronda 102
Note: This is one of the most touching events of the festival. The devotees gather in front of the church and kneel in prayer, some in silence but many of them aloud. The prayers are mostly in Sicilian and are usually very intimate.
Going up the Via San Giuliano
When?
No one knows. Usually at night. Check the “What’s up now section” for real time updates!
Where?
In Via San Giuliano
Note: This was one of the most spectacular moments of all the festival, but after an accident a couple of years ago, they don’t run any more. See the video bellow:
The nuns chant (the 6th in the morning)
When?
No one knows. Usually it takes place at night between the between February 5th and 6th. Check the “What’s up now section” for news and updates!
Where?
Via Crociferi, the monastery of Benedictine nuns.
The Saint enters the cathedral
When?
No one knows. In some years she enters in the night, sometimes in the morning, and sometimes around midday. Check the “What’s up now section” for real time updates!
Where?
The Piazza Duomo
You finally go sleep!
When?
If you are brave enough after the Saint enters in the Cathedral 🙂
Where?
Your sweet soft, warm and welcoming bed.