Events & Festivals in Catania

Catania's most important festival, honoring its patron saint. Three days of intense, city-wide devotion featuring massive candlelit processions (the 'Candelore'), fireworks, and dense crowds following the silver reliquary of Sant'Agata through the streets. A profound cultural and spiritual experience.

A lively pre-Lenten carnival with colorful parades of allegorical floats (often satirizing politics), masked dancers, and street parties. The festivities are colorful, especially for families, and culminate before Ash Wednesday.

The prestigious opera season at Catania's magnificent 19th-century theater, named after the city's famous composer. Features world-class productions of classic and modern operas, ballets, and symphonic concerts in an opulent setting.

A scenic and challenging marathon starting in the heart of Catania and finishing in the mountain town of Nicolosi on the slopes of Mount Etna. Includes shorter race options (half-marathon, 10km) for all levels.

A spring festival opening dozens of usually closed or lesser-known historic sites, churches, and palaces to the public. Includes guided tours, concerts, and special exhibitions, revealing Catania's hidden architectural gems.

A celebration of street food from Sicily, Italy, and around the world. Dozens of stalls line the streets offering everything from arancini and pasta 'ncasciata to international specialties, alongside cooking demos and live music.

A traditional neighborhood feast in the San Giovanni Li Cuti fishing district. Features a procession of the saint's statue to the sea, a blessing of the waters, and a festive atmosphere with food stalls and music by the beach.

Southern Italy's largest pop culture, comics, gaming, and cosplay festival. Features international guests, artist alleys, video game zones, movie previews, and an incredible display of cosplay creativity filling the city center.

A major summer music series hosting international stars in rock, pop, and indie music. Past performers have included artists like Sting, The Chemical Brothers, and Florence + The Machine. Held in a large outdoor venue.

A local feast in the Acicastello district, featuring a spectacular 'Giranda' - a large, illuminated boat-shaped float carried in procession. Includes fireworks over the Castello Normanno and traditional street food.

A colorful feast in the San Berillo district, culminating in a dramatic 'Antinna a mari' (the pole over the sea). Participants attempt to climb a greased pole extended over the water to claim a flag, accompanied by music and celebrations.

Although held in Castelbuono (PA), this acclaimed indie/alternative rock festival is a major pilgrimage for Catanese youth. It features an international lineup in a stunning medieval castle setting in the Madonie mountains.

A series of free open-air concerts and DJ sets along Catania's seafront, the 'Lungomare'. Features electronic, dance, and live music, creating a festive, youthful atmosphere perfect for summer nights by the sea.

The summer feast commemorating the return of Sant'Agata's relics from Constantinople. Procession participants wear white robes ('sacco bianco'), creating a solemn, ethereal atmosphere distinct from the February frenzy.

Celebrating the prized 'oro verde' (green gold) of nearby Bronte. While centered in Bronte, Catania hosts related markets and food events. Expect pistachio in every form: pesto, gelato, pastries, sausage, and even liqueur.

An all-night cultural marathon where museums, galleries, shops, and churches stay open until dawn. The city fills with free concerts, performances, art installations, and guided tours, transforming the historic center into one big party.

An autumn festival bringing national and international jazz artists to the city. Concerts are held in evocative venues like theaters, clubs, and sometimes historic palaces, offering a diverse program from traditional to avant-garde jazz.

A traditional fair with roots in the 18th century. Stalls sell everything from household goods and clothing to local sweets and roasted chestnuts. A lively, old-fashioned street market atmosphere.

An international film festival showcasing independent cinema, documentaries, and retrospectives. Includes screenings, meetings with directors and actors, and workshops, often focusing on Mediterranean and social-issue films.

A traditional folk celebration where friends and family exchange 'San Martino' cakes (biscotti shaped like the saint on horseback) and drink young wine ('vino novello'). Bakeries are filled with special cookies and decorated breads.

Catania's main Christmas market, with wooden huts selling handicrafts, local food products, ornaments, and gifts. Features festive lights, a nativity scene ('Presepe'), and a generally cheerful holiday atmosphere.

A massive free public New Year's Eve celebration in the heart of the city. Features live music concerts on multiple stages, food stalls, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display over Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral.