Agatine Jubilee – 9th Centenary of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Agatha
900 years since the return of the relics to Catania: exposition of the Sacred Skull and the Summer Feast of Saint Agatha
About Agatine Jubilee 2026
An extraordinary Jubilee for the 900th anniversary of Saint Agatha
In 2026, Catania celebrates one of the most significant religious and cultural events in its recent history: the Agatine Jubilee, proclaimed by the Archdiocese for the 9th Centenary of the translation of the relics of Saint Agatha. It was 1126 when the sacred remains of the Patron Saint, taken from the city and brought to Constantinople nearly a century earlier, returned to Catania thanks to the soldiers Gisliberto and Goselino. Nine centuries later, the Etnean capital relives that foundational moment with an exceptional Summer Feast of Saint Agatha, which complements the famous winter festival in February.
The exposition of the Sacred Skull after 63 years
The heart of the Jubilee is the extraordinary public exposition of the Sacred Skull and the Reliquary Bust, scheduled for July 21st and 22nd in the Cathedral Basilica of Catania. For the first time since 1963, the faithful will be able to see and venerate the most precious relic of the 'Santuzza' up close, following the restoration of the reliquary bust by the Vatican Museums. An occasion that draws pilgrims from all over Sicily and beyond.
The pilgrimage and the return of the relics
The most evocative moment is the dawn pilgrimage on August 17th: starting from Piazza del Rotolo, the procession accompanies the relics along the seafront, Piazza Europa, Corso Italia, Viale XX Settembre, and Via Etnea up to Piazza Duomo, symbolically retracing the arrival of the remains in 1126. The celebrations from August 16th to 18th are presided over by the Papal Legate, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.
"Tu sei Agata": a kilometer-long veil
Alongside the religious dimension, the Jubilee features the monumental art installation "Tu sei Agata" (You are Agatha) by artist Domenico Pellegrino: a veil nearly a kilometer long that crosses Via Etnea, collectively stitched with the contribution of local tailors, schools, and hundreds of volunteers, using embroidered fabrics donated by the faithful from all over the world. The completed work is presented on August 17th as the culmination of a long, choral process.
Between Catania, Aci Castello, and Puglia
The program extends beyond the borders of the Municipality of Catania and the entire province: on August 8th and 9th, the relics of the Veil and the Breast reach Gallipoli and Galatina, towns in the Salento region historically linked to the devotion to Saint Agatha, with twinning ceremonies and a sea procession. On August 16th, the relics stop in Aci Castello, at the foot of the Norman castle, for a vigil that recalls their arrival nine centuries ago. It is an opportunity to rediscover the profound identity of Catania and Eastern Sicily centered around the figure of Saint Agatha.
Agatine Jubilee 2026 — edition 2026
The 2026 Summer Feast of Saint Agatha coincides with the Agatine Jubilee Year and the 9th Centenary of the translation of the relics to Catania. The program weaves together extraordinary expositions, twinning with Puglia, a dawn pilgrimage, and pontifical celebrations, making the Etnean capital a destination for pilgrims from all over Sicily.
The event is promoted by the Archdiocese of Catania, led by Archbishop Luigi Renna, with the Festival Committee chaired by Carmelo Grasso.
Programme Agatine Jubilee 2026 2026
Monday, July 20
- 7:30 PM — Presentation conference on the restoration of the reliquary bust by the Vatican Museums, in the Cathedral Basilica. Speakers include Sister Raffaella Petrini (President of the Governorate of Vatican City State) and Barbara Jatta (Director of the Vatican Museums). Live stream on the Archdiocese channels.
Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM — Extraordinary public exposition of the Sacred Skull and the Reliquary Bust in the Cathedral (first time since 1963).
- Holy Masses at 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 7:00 PM at the Church of the Badia di Sant'Agata.
Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 — Twinning with Puglia
- August 8 — Official ceremony in Gallipoli and sea procession.
- August 9 — Reception of the relics in Galatina, at the Basilica of Santa Caterina.
Sunday, August 16
- 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM — Exposition of the relics.
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Mass presided over by Msgr. Antonino Raspanti Antonino Raspanti, Bishop of Acireale.
- 12:00 PM — Reception of the Papal Legate, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
- 6:00 PM — Mass presided over by Msgr. Giuseppe Baturi, Archbishop of Cagliari.
- 7:30 PM — Translation to Aci Castello with a night vigil at the foot of the Norman castle.
Monday, August 17 — Day of the Translation
- 4:30 AM — Gathering of the faithful in Piazza del Rotolo.
- 5:00 AM — Pilgrimage along Via del Rotolo, seafront, Piazza Europa, Corso Italia, Viale XX Settembre, Via Etnea up to Piazza Duomo.
- Holy Masses from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- 8:00 PM — Pontifical Celebration in Piazza Duomo presided over by the Cardinal Legate.
- Public presentation of the art installation "Tu sei Agata" by Domenico Pellegrino, the kilometer-long veil on Via Etnea.
Tuesday, August 18 — Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral
- 10:00 AM — Translation of the relics to the high altar.
- 11:00 AM — Closing celebration of the Jubilee Year presided over by the Archbishop, with the presentation of certificates to those born with the name Agatha or Salvatore. Repositioning of the relics in the shrine.
Highlights Agatine Jubilee 2026 2026
Prices Agatine Jubilee 2026 2026
Practical information — Agatine Jubilee 2026
How to get there
The Cathedral of Saint Agatha is located in Piazza Duomo, in the heart of Catania. By train: Catania Centrale station, about a 15-minute walk away. By plane: Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, connected to the city center by the Alibus line. By car: access to the historic center is restricted during celebrations; it is advisable to use park-and-ride facilities.
Access and opening hours
The exposition on July 21st-22nd is from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. All celebrations and public expositions are free to attend. During the pilgrimage on August 17th and the celebrations in Piazza Duomo, traffic changes are expected along Via Etnea and the seafront.
Tips
For the exposition of the Sacred Skull, it is recommended to arrive well in advance given the exceptional nature of the event. Detailed program and live streams are available on the official channels of the Archdiocese of Catania.
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Where does it take place — Agatine Jubilee 2026
Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata e Via Etnea
Piazza Duomo, 95121 Catania