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 fresh flavors of the Mediterranean at the Sagra del Pesce, where you can savor delicious, locally sourced fish dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. This is a fantastic chance to taste authentic Sicilian seafood specialties.
Join the festivities for the Festa Santa Maria di Ognina, running from September 5th to September 12th. Highlights include: 📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th - FESTIVITIES OPENING Morning: Blood drive, Holy Mass, and a charming 'Barca addobbata a festa' (decorated boat) parade with the 'Amici nella musica' band. Don't miss the 1st Veleggiata S. Maria di Ognina (sailing regatta) and boat blessing. Evening: Catechesis, Rosary prayer, Holy Mass. At 8:15 PM, the Sagra del Pesce kicks off in Piazza Ognina, followed by a gift auction and awards for the sailing regatta crews. From 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM, enjoy a live musical performance by 'Trilogy' Pooh tribute band in Piazza Ognina. 📅 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th Morning: Holy Mass and an 'Estemporanea di pittura' (live painting exhibition). Evening: Rosary prayer, Eucharistic Celebration. At 8:15 PM, the Sagra del Pesce continues in Piazza Ognina. From 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM, 'I Risonanti' live band will perform in Piazza Ognina. 📅 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th - VIGIL OF THE SOLEMNITY Morning: Holy Mass. Evening: Confessions, Rosary prayer, and a prayer vigil in anticipation of the Feast of the Nativity of Maria. 📅 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th Morning: Festive bell ringing, Holy Rosary, the traditional 'SVELATA' (unveiling) of the Simulacro di Nostra Signora di Ognina, and multiple Eucharistic Celebrations throughout the day. Evening: Confessions, Vespers, Holy Rosary, and Holy Mass. 📅 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th Morning: Holy Mass, followed by the XXV Giornata dedicata ai diversamente abili 'Portatevi un amico al mare' (Day for people with disabilities: 'Bring a friend to the sea'). Evening: Liturgy of the Word, Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Rosary prayer, Holy Mass. At 9:00 PM, enjoy a concert by the Coro Polifonico Don Antonino Maugeri Associazione ACI PRO ARTE, 'Sicilia: voci di terra e di mare,' in the Oratory courtyard. 📅 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th Morning: Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration. Evening: Rosary prayer, Eucharistic Celebration. At 8:00 PM, a discussion on 'Accompagnare e custodire la vita in ogni istante. Racconto di una esperienza' at the Circolo Canottieri 'Jonica'. 📅 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th - PILGRIMAGE Morning: Holy Mass, Confessions. Evening: Pilgrimage with the parish communities of the V Vicariato of the Archdiocese of Catania, starting from Parrocchia Maris Stella and arriving at the Santuario di S. Maria di Ognina for a Concelebrated Eucharist. At 9:00 PM, a concert by Fra' Massimo Corallo in the Oratory courtyard. 📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th - PROCESSION A