The
feast of St. Agatha in Catania is among the most important Sicilian religious feasts. The most important celebrations are
from 3rd till 5th February, every year. In these days the traditional religious
procession with the relics of St. Agatha takes place. Every year a lot of devouts, pilgrims but also tourists visit the feast in Catania. Approximately one million people partecipates every year at this religious and folkloristic event. It is impressive to see the procession of the relics, a tradition which is hundreds of years old, walk through Catania and its panorama of baroque churches and modern buildings.
The feast is deeply felt by the population because St. Agatha was a Christian martyr who lived in Catania in the 3rd century A.D. The procession goes through the places of Agatha's legend. During the middleage the relics were brought to Costantinople but in the year 1126 they returned to Catania, so, nowadays they are the highlight of the feast. Let's see how the event runs:
Read More
Security has been strengthened at airports and train stations in Sicily and elsewhere in Italy after the terror attacks which hit Brussels on Tuesday morning.
Catania Fontanarossa airport - new security checks
NASSIG PAO MESSAGE (23MAR2016)
Important Travel Information:
According to local media and local Italian Government sources, due to increased security measures passengers traveling through Catania Airport are being screened outside the airport. This is causing delays in the check-in process.
Airport authorities are advising passengers to arrive at least two hours prior to their flight and to be prepared to wait outside in possible inclement weather. Also, all passengers must bring their pre-printed plane ticket to get into the airport. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for possible flight delays and for further information.
(DISCLAIMER: Please note that the above travel advisories outlined are taken from Italian media and Italian government's press releases and are presented as tentative and subject to confirmation. Always make sure you check with transportation providers and reconfirm travel arrangements.
The NASSIG PAO cannot assume any kind of liability for any damage, loss, injury orinconvenience sustained by any person resulting from any information published on this media roundup or from any kind of changes, such as scheduled times, cancellations etc. mentioned or not on this message. We strongly encourage you to verify any strike information that might interferewith your travel plans with your ticket office or with your carrier.)
Photo credits: gnuckx/Flickr
Read More
Catania, on the east coast of Sicily, is famous for its position, direct under the volcano Etna, but is also a town full of life. Visiting Catania it's possible to admire the magnificent baroque churches and the "palazzi" of the ancient aristocratic families but you will also discover the typical Sicilian folklore walking through the ancient fish markt "La Pescheria". What have you absolutely to see in Catania?
We suggest to begin your visit from the southern entrance to the town, the via Etnea, the main road of the town. You can start your walk at Porta Uzeda, the ancient town's gate which gives access to Piazza Duomo, the cathedral square.
Read More
