The Feast of Sant'Agata in Catania

For 3 days every year since 1126, the citizens of Catania come together as a community to worship their beloved Agata whose interventions have protected them over centuries. They chant, adore, and bear their souls, screaming profuse declarations of devotion to their patron saint. It is emotional. It is impressive. It is an experience to witness live.
Sadly, this year, none of us will.
The schedule for the festival is typically long and full. A million people participate. There are three main highlights:
~The ornate golden candelore (pronounced candel-or-ay), decorated with flowers and cherubs and scenes from the life of Agata, were made by the guilds, (such as the fruit vendors and the bread makers) and noble families. They were gifts to Sant'Agata. They 'dance' around town, stopping in front of churches and important buildings that have history associated with Agata.
~As the sun rises on the second day, citizens and devotees (clad in white and black) pack the Piazza Duomo awaiting the relics encased in an ornate silver box followed by the gem encrusted bust of Sant'Agata which emerge from the Cathedral. Placed upon a fercolo, (an imperial silver sedan, lined with red velvet and flowers), these two precious pieces, are pulled by hundreds of devotees on the streets of Catania. Citizens pass offerings of tall candles through the crowds, to place next to her in worship.
~As night time approaches, devotees light their heavy candles, metaphors for their burdens and deep devotions. Carried on their shoulders, they run up the street, stopping to make public and passionate declarations of their faith and respect. Semu tutti devoti tutti! (We are all devoted...)
Fireworks erupt at intervals during the Feast, and music plays a big part, whether in church or in spontaneous a cappella unison on the Piazza.
I am very grateful to Maestro Francesco Costa of the Coro Lirico di Sicilia for offering me the Chorus's moving rendition of Inno Centenario, the piece composed in 1847 that is sung at various times during the three feast days.
The chorus repeated in the piece says:
"Tu che splendi in paradiso coronata di vittoria, o sant’Agata, la gloria per noi prega di lassù."
You shine in paradise, crowned with victory, O Saint Agata, the glorious, pray for us from above.
Viva Sant'Agata.
Thank you for watching.

[@hughzurkuhlen426]

The expressive faces and hauntingly beautiful music brought tears to my eyes.

[@loredanavivera5826]

Momenti pieni di fascino e incanto