Sant'Agata is Catania's main festival. But it seems the Valverde residents don't celebrate it. We asked why, and here are the answers.
Saint Agatha: does each place have its own Queen?
In Catania, the first days of February have only one name: the feast of Saint Agatha. Even if this year Saint Agatha 2021 It only has a liturgical calendar, but the town is still celebrating. In Valverde, however, the Catanian martyr is not celebrated. Taking a tour of the various ChurchesThere is no painting, statue, or anything else related to the Santuzza. But how is this possible? And yet, we're talking about the third most important religious festival in the world. Here are the explanations we've been given around the country. The first is simple: "Every place has its Queen!”. And this is also true. Valverde is totally devoted to the His MadonnaIt has always been this way, so one Regina is enough. Even for the archdiocese of Valverde, it belongs to the Archdiocese of Acireale, not the Archdiocese of Catania.
Sant'Agata: Is Valverde more tied to Acireale?
Another reason why the Agatina festival is not celebrated could be found in Valverde's history. In fact, Valverde was born from the inhabitants of the Acesi coast, who moved towards this lovely valleyPerhaps to get away from danger or called by the Madonna. The fact is that even the Valverdian dialect contains many Aci words, not Catania words. Do the Valverdians feel closer to the lands of Aci than to Catania? This could be an explanation, and in fact many Valverdians travel to see the festival of San Sebastiano, patron saint of Acireale. In truth, even in terms of distance, the beautiful town at the foot of Mount Etna is closer to Acireale than to Catania. the route is 7 km from Acireale, and 11 from CataniaBut perhaps Catania is seen more as a city, more chaotic, than the capital city of Acireale.
Do we have any Catanesi in Valverde?
Many people from Catania live in the Etna town. Some even hold important positions. Others are merchants who know the town and fall in love with it. But the "Catanians"They certainly are. And in a low voice, they confide that the Santuzza is a must-attend event in their homes. However, it seems more like a private affair, a personal, almost secret gesture of faith. And then things can always change. In fact, we hope that next year buses can be organized to go and see the festival. Because, regardless of one's faith, the Feast of the Patron Saint of the city of Catania must be seen. The Dawn Mass on the morning of the 4th, the external tour on the same day, and the Pontifical Mass and internal tour on February 5th are magical moments.And in the hope that next year we will all be at the “Festa Grande”, all we can do is shout: Citizens… long live Sant'Agata!.
