Festa di Sant'Agata (Catania)

The Feast of Sant'Agata is the largest religious celebration in Italy, as well as the third Christian festival in the world. It is a mix of devotion, folklore and tradition. Every year from February the third to February the fifth the city of Catania welcomes thousands of devotees and non-devotees, as well as many tourists, who salute the Reliquary Bust of the Patron Saint of the city and follow her every move. This unique celebration fascinates everyone: it lasts more than 40 consecutive hours and has 1800 years of history. In fact, the celebration remembers the martyrdom of Agata, which took place in 251 AD. The "devotees", those who have received a grace from Sant'Agata, wear the classic white sack with a black hat and white gloves. They circulate around Catania in an explosion of faith and joy. Throughout the festival, the devotees greet and thank the saint waving a white handkerchief, singing hymns in her honor and uttering, almost at the top of their lungs, the classic phrase: "Semu tutti devoti, tutti, cittadini viva Sant'Agata".

Characteristics of the festival are the 13 Cerei, the "Cannalori", which are classic wooden buildings decorated in Baroque style, which represent the arts and crafts of the city. They are carried on shoulders by a group of devotees, as they are very heavy (between 400 and 900 kg). During February the fourth and the fifth, the Cerei always precede the fercolo of Sant'Agata. Anyway even before the feast, it is not uncommon to find them around the city: they are often followed by a marching band. Typical of the Cannalore is the ballad, "a 'nnacata", that is the almost dancing gait with which they move. Among the symbols of the festival, there are also votive candles (which vary in size) offered during the procession. Generally, according to the grace received or requested, each devotee chooses his candle and carries it on his shoulder with great care and devotion.