Sagra · September 5, 2026 – September 13, 2026 · Ognina, Catania (CT)
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Ognina, Catania, during the solemn celebrations in honor of the Madonna di Ognina. This festival offers a rich program of religious and civil events, including the traditional Sagra del Pesce (Fish Festival), live concerts, a sailing regatta, and captivating processions by sea and through the neighborhood streets. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and celebrate the Nativity of Maria SS.
Indulge in the star of the festival, the traditional Sagra del Pesce, where you can savor freshly prepared local fish dishes. This is a fantastic chance to taste authentic Sicilian seafood specialties in a lively community setting.
The Festa Santa Maria di Ognina spans several days with a diverse program: 📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th - FESTIVITIES OPENING Morning activities include blood donation (7:30-11:30 AM), Holy Mass (8:30 AM), and a 'Barca addobbata a festa' (decorated boat) gift collection with the 'Amici nella musica' band (9:30 AM). Don't miss the 1st Veleggiata S. Maria di Ognina (sailing regatta) from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a boat gathering and blessing (10:00 AM). The evening features Catechesis on 'Maria nei Santuari Mariani' (5:00 PM), communal Rosary prayer (6:15 PM), and Holy Mass (7:00 PM). The highlight is the Sagra del Pesce in Piazza Ognina (8:15 PM), followed by a gift auction (8:30 PM) and recognition of the regatta crews (9:00 PM). The night concludes with a live musical performance by 'Trilogy' Pooh tribute band (9:30-11:30 PM). 📅 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th Holy Mass is held at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Enjoy an open-air painting exhibition from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Evening events include communal Rosary prayer (6:15 PM) and Eucharistic Celebration (7:00 PM). The Sagra del Pesce returns to Piazza Ognina (8:15 PM), followed by a live concert from 'I Risonanti' band (9:30-11:30 PM). 📅 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th - VIGIL OF THE SOLEMNITY Holy Mass (8:30 AM), Confessions (6:00-7:30 PM), communal Rosary prayer (6:15 PM), and a prayer vigil awaiting the Feast of the Nativity of Maria (7:30 PM). 📅 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th The day begins with festive bell ringing (7:00 AM), Holy Rosary (7:30 AM), and the traditional 'SVELATA' (unveiling) of the Simulacro di Nostra Signora di Ognina with Eucharistic Celebration (8:00 AM). Additional Eucharistic Celebrations are at 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Confessions are available from 5:00-6:30 PM, followed by Vespers and Holy Rosary (6:00 PM) and Holy Mass (7:00 PM). 📅 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th Holy Mass (8:30 AM) and the XXV Giornata dedicata ai diversamente abili 'Portatevi un amico al mare' (10:00 AM). Later, there's a Liturgy of the Word and Celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (5:00 PM), communal Rosary prayer (6:15 PM), and Holy Mass (7:00 PM). An evening concert by the Coro Polifonico Don Antonino Maugeri Associazione ACI PRO ARTE, 'Sicilia: voci di terra e di mare,' takes place at 9:00 PM. 📅 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th Holy Mass (8:30 AM), Eucharistic Adoration (9:00 AM-12:00 PM), communal Rosary prayer (6:15 PM), and Eucharistic Celebration (7:00 PM). An evening discussion on 'Accompagnare e custodire la vita in ogni istante. Racconto di una esperienza' is held at 8:00 PM. 📅 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th - PILGRIMAGE Holy Mass (8:30 AM), Confessions (9:15-10:30 AM). A pilgrimage with the V Vicariato dell'Arcidiocesi di Catania parish communities departs from Parrocchia Maris Stella, arriving at the Santuario di S. Maria di Ognina for a Concelebrated Eucharist (6:30 PM). An evening concert by Fra' Massimo Corallo is at 9:00 PM. 📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th - PROCESSION A