Madonna di Ognina Feast and Fish Festival

The most beloved feast of the Ognina village

The Madonna di Ognina Feast is one of the most attended religious celebrations in the municipality of Catania, second only to the feast of Saint Agatha. It takes place every September in the picturesque seaside village of Ognina, overlooking the gulf of the same name, and revolves around the Nativity of Mary, celebrated on September 8th. Locals affectionately call it 'A festa d'a Bammina', the feast of the Baby Madonna, a testament to the deep bond between the fishing community and their patron saint.

The Svelata, the heart of tradition

The most moving moment is the 'Svelata', held on the morning of September 8th at 8:00 AM. For most of the year, the statue remains hidden behind the high altar of the Santa Maria di Ognina church. To the sound of a Marian hymn, the sudden lighting of the altar, ringing bells, fireworks, and the brass band, the crowned and illuminated statue slowly appears, greeted by the emotional applause of the faithful.

The sea procession and the boat race

A distinctive feature of the feast is the sea procession held on Saturday: the Madonna's statue is taken aboard a boat and accompanied along the coast by a flotilla of festively decorated fishing vessels. During the crossing, flowers are cast into the water in memory of those lost at sea, and the return is greeted by spectacular fireworks. In the harbor waters, the traditional boat race takes place, with crews from various districts competing in rowing. The following Sunday, the statue is carried through the streets of the neighborhood, stopping at the homes of the sick and at key community landmarks.

The Fish Festival

Alongside the religious program, in the days leading up to September 8th, the Bluefish Festival is held in Piazza Ognina. Local fishermen grill and serve fresh fish in a lively atmosphere filled with live music, performances, and seafood street food. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, both locals and tourists, drawn by the flavors of the Sicilian maritime tradition.

A village, a community

The Santa Maria di Ognina church has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and has been a landmark for the district's fishermen for centuries. The feast, deeply tied to the maritime identity of Ognina and Sicily, weaves together devotion, memory, and conviviality, restoring the authentic atmosphere of an ancient seaside community to the village for a few days. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced.