St. Agatha

This morning, I woke up to the sound of a lively parade in the streets below. It was just a practice run. One of many practice runs, in fact, that the Catanians (or Catanese, as they call themselves) have been participating in recently in preparation for the Festival of St. Agatha. I have been told that I have "no idea" what I'm in for! Apparently, St. Agatha is the patron saint of Catania, and her festival goes on for several days with music, fireworks, and so many people wearing all white that it is impossible to drive through the streets (usually around 1 million). Good thing we walk everywhere! Men take turns dragging the several ton silver covered carriage that holds her casket through the hilly streets non-stop for three days. There is even a specific time for the mayor to pay homage to the saint. The festival ends on Feb. 5, which is also the Catanian New Year. People decorate their houses, and kiosks fill the streets. The most disturbing part for me is the roasting, selling, and eating of horse meat. This, however, does not only happen during this festival. Eating horse meat is very common in Catania...for some people. No, thank you.
I added a couple of pictures to show one of the practice parades.

From our window we just saw an amazing display of fireworks. It's hard to believe that this is going to continue all week long!

We had been invited to go to dinner at the house of one of our students tonight, but his son is sick. (The same one that came and practiced his colors with puzzles the other night) Please keep him in your prayers. We have a stomach thing going around, as I have heard that you all do as well.
I will be praying for you all, too :)