Once again this year, Christmas in Catania will be full of events, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, street theater, nativity scenes on display in churches and Christmas markets.
Christmas Markets
The Christmas season in Catania has been in full swing since November 30th with the Merry Christmas Market in Via Minoriti (Via Etnea – Via Manzoni section). A splendid setting where local artisans and artists come together bringing the magical atmosphere of the markets of northern Europe to Catania.
In addition to the quaint market stalls where you’ll find original trinkets and gifts, there are many more events planned! Children will be able to visit Santa’s house and post their letters, as well as participate in Christmas-themed workshops and cute photoshoots.
Workshops will be held on December 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 10:30 am.
Also beginning on November 30, the lights of the Montesano Street Store will light up in the splendid setting of Via Montesano. In addition to the characteristic chalets, there will also be a children’s area, live music, street artists, a 3D advent calendar and artists’ corner.
But it doesn’t end here! The 11th edition of Christmas ai Minoriti with exhibitions in the Palazzo Minoriti Cloister in via Enea 73.
In addition, the new Christmas Village in Piazza Università will be full of local crafts, traditional food products, trinkets, many attractions and shows, and Santa’s House!
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Traditionally, the Christmas Season officially begins on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Celebrations will begin at the church of St. Francis of Assisi Immaculate.
The Feast is preceded by the dodicina, a period in which many faithful go to the Sanctuary of St. Francis of Assisi Immaculate, which houses an artistic eighteenth-century statue of the Virgin Mary.
Many faithful, fraternities and residents of Catania take part in the procession that takes place on December 8th. It winds through the historic center, stopping in front of the church of San Benedetto, for the traditional “singing of the nuns” and stops in front of the cathedral for a few moments of prayer.
Later, the statue, followed by the procession, returns to the sanctuary where it will remain on the main altar until the day of the octave.
Nativity Scenes
While visiting Catania, you’ll be able to see a series of nativity scenes on display in the various churches of the city:
- Nativity scene – Cathedral Church
- Nativity scene – Basilica Sanctuary Parish Maria SS. Annunziata al Carmine, Piazza Carlo Alberto
- Sicilian artistic nativity scene – Church of S. Francesco all’Immacolata, Piazza S. Francesco D’Assisi
- Sicilian Artistic Nativity – Collegiate Basilica of S. Maria dell’Elemosina, via Etnea, 23 / A
- Sicilian artistic nativity scene – Church of S. Benedetto, via Crociferi
- Nativity scene – Church of S. Michele Arcangelo ai Minoriti, via Etnea, 85
- Sicilian artistic nativity scene – Church of S. Biagio, Piazza Stesicoro
- Sicilian artistic nativity scene – S. Euplio martyr Parish, Piazza Montessori, 8 / A
- Sicilian nativity scene – Parish SS. Sacramento Ritrovato, Via VI Aprile
- Sicilian nativity scene – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Viale Oderico da Pordenone, 56
Market Hours
Christmas Village in Piazza Università: from November 30th 2019 to December 28th 2019
Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 21.00
Saturday and Sunday: from 10.00 to 22.00
December 24th: from 10am to 8pm
December 25th: from 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Merry Christmas Market (Via Minoriti): from 30 November 2019 to 28 December 2019
from 10.00 to 21.00 (Saturday and Sunday until 21.30)
11th Christmas ai Minoriti in the Cloister of Palazzo Minoriti via Enea 73: from 7 December 2019 to 6 January 2020
from 10.00 to 21.00
24 and 31 December: from 10.00 to 14.00
December 25th and January 1st: from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Montesano Street Store (in via Montesano): from 30 November 2019 to 28 December 2019
from 10.00 to 22.00 (Saturday and Sunday until 21.30)