Blog Archives
devotee
On the morning of the first day of the Feast of Sant’Agata, I looked out my hotel window and saw a solitary devotee heading toward the cathedral.
It wasn’t long before the streets would be filled with people, many of them dressed in the traditional feast-day clothing like this gentleman. This moment, although I didn’t realize it then, was the only bit of quiet for a long time: the parades celebrating the Saint are loud and joyous.
Catania, Sicily
photographed 2.4.2025
smoking section
This man, dressed in the traditional outfit for the feast of Sant’Agata, was taking a quick smoke break before continuing with his feast day activities.
Catania, Sicily
photographed 2.4.2025
he seems confused at (or surprised by) his nether regions
This gentleman greeted us every time we came back to our rooms in Catania. Some of our group* kept entertained by making up captions for what we saw, because basically we are unruly children who shouldn’t be left unsupervised.
Catania, Sicily
photographed 2.3.2025
*Yes. I was part of that cohort**.
**Which I think you probably figured out on your own.
candle cart
Our trip was scheduled so that we’d be in Catania of the Feast of Sant’Agata, which is one of the largest religious festivals in the world. Its procession lasts for three days as devotees of the city’s patron saint celebrate. It is impossible for me to describe the entire event – it’s easier for me to show a few tiny scenes. Like this one.
One of the traditions is that devotees purchase candles from vendors who follow the procession, pushing carts like this one.
Feast of Sant’Agata
Catania, Sicily
photographed 2.4.2025
curb snack
It was mid-afternoon on the first day of three days of celebrating Sant’Agata, the town’s patron. Thousands of people were out, following the procession as a way of marking their devotion. But sometime during the day, they were going to need a snack, just like this little head-to-toe pink little girl.
Bonus fact: you know those plants that are called “broom”? And see that broom there in the background? Guess what it’s made from. Yep: broom plants.
Catania, Sicily
photographed 2.4.2025
One Day | One Image 