The first day of celebration, the 3rd of February, develops itself into three distinct moments: the long and solemn Midday procession for "the offering of wax", to which civil, religious and militar authorities all attend bearing the standards of the City, the Province, and the University. Leaving St. Agatha's (the Church of St. Agata alla Fornace) to the Cathedral, the procession cuts through two lines of a huge crowd.

Eleven "candelore" (large candle- shaped structures), symbolizing tbe guilds, and two carriages belonging to the old Catanian Senate, bring up the rear. In the afternoon, at 3.00 PM, St. Agatha's international cross- country race takes place through the old and new streets of the town-centre. Finally, in the evening, later than 8.00 PM, grandious fireworks are on display in piazza Duomo.

S. Agata

4th february

5th february

"Candlemas"

S. Agata in the world