Major Events in Catania — January 2026

🧙‍♀️ Epiphany – Parata delle Befane

📍 Where: City Center → Piazza Duomo
📅 When: January 6 (morning + evening concert)
🎉 What: A colorful Epiphany parade with dancing Befane, performers, sweets for kids, and a joyful takeover of the city streets.
🎵 Finale: Evening concert at San Nicolò l’Arena with Sicilian folk Christmas music.
👀 Expect: Smiles, noise, and a very Catania-style goodbye to the holidays.

🎭 Theatre: Il birraio di Preston

📍 Where: Teatro Verga (Teatro Stabile di Catania)
📅 When: January 6–11
📖 What: Andrea Camilleri’s beloved story comes to life on stage. A witty, ironic, deeply Sicilian tale with a strong cast and plenty of laughs.
🎭 For: Theatre lovers and anyone who appreciates Sicilian humor and history.

🎼 Opera Season Opening — Aida by Verdi

📍 Where: Teatro Massimo Bellini (historic city centre)
📅 When: Opening night: 20 January 2026
⏰ Time & duration: Evening shows (around 20:00), approx. 3 hours including intervals

The opera season officially opens with Verdi’s Aida, performed in full staging with an international cast. This is one of the cultural high points of the month — elegant, dramatic, and very Catania.

Good to know:

• Premiere nights often sell out — book in advance via the official theatre site

• Dress code is smart-casual to elegant

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early
  
  

Perfect if you want a real night out.

⛪ Sant’Agata — The Quiet Beginning

(Before the big February feast)

In preparation for Sant’Agata

📍 Where: Catania Cathedral (Duomo) & nearby churches
📅 When: 30–31 January 2026
⏰ Duration: Individual Masses last about 1 hour

These days mark the start of Sant’Agata’s festive cycle. Less crowded than the main feast, but already emotional and atmospheric.

Why go:

• You feel the city shifting

• The streets start to change

• Locals are already in “Sant’Agata mode”
  
  

Expect some traffic restrictions near Piazza Duomo.

For the whisky lovers out there
This showed up while we were putting the newsletter together…

A whisky t-shirt we’d actually wear. 👉 See it here

P.S. The shirt’s covered. You just pay shipping.

Interesting Facts

CASCIA

At the Piazza Duomo
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5, 95121 Catania CT < Go here for directions!

Right at Piazza Duomo, this Sicilian restaurant does the basics beautifully: fresh pasta, solid meat dishes, good wine, and a setting that makes you slow down. A very easy place to like.

🎥 Watch the video below

If you’re looking to reach the beautiful residents of Catania and bring more locals through your door

👉 Click here to get featured

Big celebrations coming up

The Feast of Sant'Agata in Catania is a vibrant and lively celebration that takes place annually in February.

It involves processions, traditional dishes, fireworks, and decorations throughout the city.

The festival honors the city's patron saint and encourages a festive atmosphere amongst residents and visitors.

Various events and activities are organized, making it a popular and exciting tradition for all to enjoy.

Quote Of The Day

"Life is a journey, not a destination. We must embrace the ups and downs, knowing that each experience shapes us into who we are meant to be.

Just like a cat chasing after a piece of string, we must pursue our dreams with determination and agility. Remember, even when faced with obstacles, we have the strength within us to overcome.

So let us boldly step forward into each new day, ready to take on whatever challenges come our way. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and never stop seeking the joy in life's little moments."

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A classic Italian pasta made with garlic, olive oil, and chili. Simple, fast, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti

• 3–5 garlic cloves

• Olive oil

• Chili flakes

• Salt

• Parsley (optional)
  
  

How To Make

1. Fill a pot with water → add salt → bring to a boil.
2. Add spaghetti → cook until al dente.
3. Slice garlic thinly.
4. Add olive oil to a pan → low-medium heat → add garlic.
5. Cook until garlic is lightly golden (not brown).
6. Add chili flakes → stir for 10 seconds.
7. Reserve ½ cup pasta water → drain pasta.
8. Add pasta to pan → add a splash of pasta water.
9. Toss until glossy and coated.
10. Add parsley → taste → adjust salt → serve.

What if calming your body didn’t take time or effort?
This is a 60-second guided breathwork designed for real stress moments. 👉 Rapid Reset Breathwork