Catania really offers many events related to art and culture, music, tradition and folklore. One of the most heartfelt and most awaited events is certainly the Feast of Sant’Agata, which takes place every year from 3 to 5 February, 12 February and 17 August. The most important recurrence is that of the beginning of fever since it commemorates the martyrdom of the young Agata, persecuted and tortured for her refusal to grant herself to the Roman governor Quinziano. During the celebrations, the historic center is dressed in artistic lighting, suggestive and always different, and which give the city charm and magic. Furthermore, a panel is created in via Di Sangiuliano, which can also be seen from afar and which represents a scene from the life of the patron saint. Another very ancient custom is that of waxes, wooden allegorical floats built according to the Sicilian Baroque style and covered with large candles, which are carried on the shoulders by the faithful with a caraccolante gait, here known as ‘a’ nncata.
The celebrations begin on February 3 with the offering of wax, while in the evening thousands of people – including devotees and tourists – await the fireworks display with their noses up. The following day the reliquary bust of the Saint is “released” and carried in procession through the city until late at night, to be exhibited on the morning of the 5th in the Cathedral and, after the afternoon mass, brought back in procession along the internal route of Catania. During the Feast of Sant’Agata, the “olivette di Sant’Agata”, the “cassatine” and pasta with chickpeas are prepared with passion and devotion.
A very interesting festival is the Catania Cinema Europeo, better known as the Gold Elephant World Festival. The film festival, which takes place at “Lo Po Multisala” in via Etnea, aims to enhance European cinema in the original language, proposing first works, short films and independent Italian feature films. It also tries to promote an official selection of films and shorts “in Competition”, but also a sort of competition between international works that are out of competition. There will be meetings and exhibitions open to the public and children. For lovers of the warm and overwhelming rhythm of jazz, we recommend attending at least one concert organized by Catania Jazz, which hosts world-famous artists and musicians. Founded in 1983, the Catania association has brought a wave of engaging music to the shadow of Etna, and, every year, more and more loved and followed, often recording sold-out. Personalities of the caliber of Cristina Donà, Gianmaria Testa and Ludovico Einaudi followed one another on the stage.
The Etna Comics Festival, the international festival of comics and pop culture, takes place between the end of May and the beginning of June. The event, hosted by “Le Ciminiere” of Catania, in an area of about 45,000 square meters, has since the first edition become a point of reference for those who are passionate about cinema, comics, video games, collecting and traditional Japanese culture. Participating are the most relevant operators in the sector, cultural associations and comic shops, as well as the authors who will be involved in sessions of live drawings, then auctioned. It will also be possible to participate in conferences, concerts, meetings, workshops and role-play sessions. If beer is one of your favorite drinks, then you can’t miss the appointments planned for the BeerCatania, the Festival of craft beers, organized by the Scirocco Mediterranean Creativ lab. In the three days it will be possible to taste the excellences of the territory and try the highest quality labels. This event welcomes both breweries and specialized venues, but also suppliers of raw materials and equipment, as well as numerous connoisseurs and simply curious. Admission is free.
To stay up to date on dates and locations, we recommend connecting to the following portals: www.cataniafilmfest.it; www.cataniajazz.com; www.etnacomics.com; http://www.beercatania.it.