Are we all devoted? W Saint’Agatha

The celebrations of Saint Agatha: faith, history, and Catania’s identity

How many of you know that the celebrations in honor of Saint Agatha of Catania, patron saint of Catania, are considered the third most important religious festival in the world?

This year, much to the disappointment of many devotees, the celebrations will be limited to religious ceremonies held safely due to the Covid emergency. Therefore, there will be no traditional processions of the fercolo on February 4 and 5, the fireworks on the evening of the 3rd, or the offering of candles procession on the morning of the 3rd.

The life and martyrdom of Saint Agatha

Agatha, born in the 3rd century into a noble Catanian family, devoted her life from a young age to the Christian faith. For this reason, after refusing to marry the Roman governor Quintianus, the young woman suffered martyrdom and was killed on the afternoon of February 5, 251.

After her death, Agatha was venerated beyond Sicily, so much so that Pope Cornelius proclaimed her a saint. Saint Agatha thus became the patron saint of Catania, and since then, every year from February 3 to 5, the city is filled with devotees, religious and institutional authorities, and tourists from all over the world.

The miracle of the veil and the origins of the feast

Her veneration is linked to her martyrdom, but the feast itself is associated with several miracles, the first of which occurred in 252: the Sacred Veil of Saint Agatha stopped a devastating eruption of the Etna that was threatening to destroy the city.

February 3: the candelore procession

The day of February 3 begins with a procession through the city streets. Devotees offer the Saint the “cannilori”, large candles weighing between 400 and 900 kilos, carried on the shoulders by groups of men with a distinctive swaying gait known as “a ’nnacata”.

During the celebrations, one can also see young women dressed in white with veiled faces, the “ntuppatedde”, dancing around the candelabra.

The “ntuppatedde” and the role of women

According to ancient tradition, Catanian women used to go out during the feast covered by the “tuppa”, a veil that made them unrecognizable. Today, the “ntuppatedde” wear white and hold a red flower, symbolizing freedom and women’s participation.

Sport, events, and a city in celebration

In the afternoon, the Saint Agatha Trophy turns the historic center into a large sporting event. In the evening, everything ends in Piazza Duomo with water shows and the famous “fuochi da sira o tri” fireworks.

February 4 and 5: the heart of the procession

The religious celebration begins with the dawn mass on February 4, when the bust containing the relics is entrusted to the devotees, who, dressed in “cò saccu”, carry the fercolo through the city.

Inside the bust are kept the relics of the saint, while the exterior is covered in jewels and ex-votos, including the crown donated by Richard the Lionheart.

The procession route and historic districts

The procession crosses the city and reaches symbolic places such as Piazza Stesicoro, where the Church of Sant’Agata al Carcere and the Church of Sant’Agata alla Fornace stand.

A particularly emotional moment is the climb along “â ’cchianata dê Cappuccini”, up to the Church of San Domenico, and then to the Church of Sant’Agata la Vetere.

The procession also passes through historic neighborhoods such as San Cristoforo and the Angels Custodians district, until returning to the Cathedral at dawn on February 5, accompanied by spectacular fireworks.

The return and February 6

On February 5, the pontifical mass is celebrated in the Cathedral. The bust remains on display throughout the day and, in the afternoon, is once again entrusted to the devotees for a final procession through the inner streets of the city.

The route follows Via Etnea, the Giardino Bellini, and reaches Piazza Cavour, in the Borgo district, where the final fireworks display dedicated to the “Santuzza” takes place.

The procession ends in the late morning of February 6.

Traditions, fair, and typical sweets

During the three days, the Saint Agatha Fair also takes place, a large open-air market full of local folklore and traditions.

Traditional snacks such as “calia e simenza” are always present, along with typical sweets like “cassateddi di Sant’Aita” and “alivetti”.

Recipe: “minnuzze di Saint Agatha”

Among the most famous traditional sweets are the “minnuzze di Saint Agatha”, pastries made with shortcrust pastry, ricotta, and icing.

Main ingredients

Shortcrust pastry: flour, butter, powdered sugar, egg yolks, vanilla
Filling: sheep ricotta, candied orange, dark chocolate, powdered sugar, orange zest
Icing: powdered sugar, egg whites, lemon juice, candied cherries

Preparation

To make the “minnuzze,” prepare the shortcrust pastry and let it rest in the fridge. Meanwhile, prepare the filling with sieved ricotta, sugar, chocolate, and candied orange.

Fill the semi-spherical molds, close them, and bake at 200°C. Once cooled, cover with white icing and decorate with a candied cherry.