Festa di Sant'Agata (Feast of Saint Agatha) honors the patron saint and 3rd-century martyr of Catania, Italy, each February 3–5, when a “white river” of devotees in the sacco escorts her relics on the silver fercolo (la Vara) through Via Etnea behind towering Candelore candle-floats. Expect dawn Masses, candle offerings, bands and booming fireworks, plus ritual sweets like minne di Sant’Agata and green almond olivette between processions.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Catania or a Sicily route—we’ll plan the fercolo & Candelore processions, smart vantage points on Via Etnea/Piazza Duomo, fireworks timing, and a walkable stay near the route.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 3–5 February 2026 (Tuesday–Thursday).
• Annual pattern: Main feast always 3–5 February; a summer celebration also takes place around 17 August (Traslazione delle Reliquie) — see the Program.
• The exact timetable publishes annually; check the official Program page for ceremonies, processions and fireworks times.
LOCATION
• Venue: Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata (Duomo) and central streets of Catania — overview on the Cathedral’s Official site.
• Map: Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, Piazza Duomo — Open in Google Maps.
• Getting there: City buses incl. Alibus serve the center; plan routes with AMTS Percorsi & orari.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free entry: Religious ceremonies and street processions are free; any controlled‑access areas or barriers are announced by the City/organisers via the Program and Comune channels.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Major moments: Offerta della Cera (3 Feb), long city procession with the fercolo and “candelore” (4 Feb), and Pontifical Mass with fireworks around Piazza Duomo (5 Feb) — see the official Program and Cathedral Site for details.
• Summer feast: Procession with the Velo di Sant’Agata on or around 17 August; see the August schedule on the organiser’s Program (August) page (pattern repeats annually).
• Transport & access: Expect road closures and crowd measures; rely on AMTS updates and Comune notices near the dates.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Sicily route that includes the Festa di Sant’Agata at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.