Just few hours of sleep: in the late morning of the 5th. of February (the climax of the festivity), a Pontifical Mass is celebrated by a specially invited prelate. The Saint's image travels along another route, through the old town-centre: the carriage proceeds slowly along the elegant via Etnea. The eleven, richly adorned "candelore " lead tbe procession, being followed by 700 devotees holding torches: then the white river of devotees follows. They all drag the "vara" and sing the praises of the Patron ("We are all, all devotees. Citizens, long live St. Agatha!"). The City bell tolls, announcing the Mayor's homage to the Saint. The stream of people puts on a protracted and fascinating tableau vivant.

In the evening, people crowd together again in piazza Borgo, in order to attend further fireworks (also known as "the fireworks of the evening of three"); soon after, the crowd follows and escorts tbe "candelore" in an "endurance race" along the slope of salita di San Giuliano. Time goes by, and the setting sun gives way to the night: St. Agatha patiently awaits for the end of the contest, at the crossing of via Etnea and via di San Giuliano: it's the "final pull", that should bring the festivity to an end, with an enthusiastic applause of relief. The race is an event mostly reserved to young people: strong arms and sturdy legs are needed to drag the several tons of the "vara". Partaking to the race is a mark of love and devotion that should not be underrated: doing it in "one go" allows to draw favorable auspices for the year, since the real New Year's Day in Catania falls on the 5th of February; once, contracts and deeds were actually started or delivered on such a date.

S. Agata

3rd february

4th february

"Candlemas"

S. Agata in the world