In this episode, I explore the phenomenon of “collective effervescence,” a term coined by the sociologist Émile Durkheim to describe the intense, shared emotional experiences that make us feel briefly part of something bigger than ourselves.
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From saint processions in Ischia to bonfire rituals in Abruzzo and the miracle of San Gennaro’s blood in Naples, I explore how Italy’s festas and sagre are a kind of emotional infrastructure—places where community, memory, and the sacred all converge. I’m joined by writer and festival researcher Katerina Ferrara, whose regional guides help travelers weave these events into their itineraries.
Together we discuss:
How festivals in Italy layer pre‑Christian rites, Catholic devotion, and modern life
Why small‑town saint days and harvest feasts are often the most powerful travel experiences
The role of children and returning emigrants in keeping these traditions alive
Catania’s identity as “the Black City” under Mount Etna
The story and cult of Sant’Agata, patron saint of Catania and of women with breast cancer
What actually happens during the three‑day February feast of Sant’Agata
The emotional “wave” when the saint’s statue leaves the church, and the crowd erupts
Festival foods you can only find on these days, including Minne di Sant’Agata and local arancine
Practical tips for tracking down festivals and sagre when dates shift every year
I want to thank my paid subscribers, who I hope are enjoying our monthly Q&A Zoom meetings and Destination Deep Dives. So far, we’ve explored Florence, Matera, Naples, and Rome. Next up: Venice and the Amalfi Coast.
And since trip planning season is nearly here, I’ve refreshed my menu of trip planning services. From one-hour Trip Consultations to hybrid Custom Itinerary Design or full Bespoke Trip Planning, everything is explained there so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and budget.
Chapters/timestamps
00:00 – What is “collective effervescence”?
02:00 – Why Italian saint festivals feel so powerful
05:00 – Bonfires, solstices, and ancient roots of Italian rituals
08:00 – Meet Katerina Ferrara and her festival guides
11:00 – How to actually find and plan for festivals and sagre
15:00 – Food festivals, fundraising, and “festifusion”
19:00 – The Infiorata of Noto: a two‑day flower masterpiece
24:00 – Children, memory, and passing traditions on
28:00 – Catania and the Val di Noto: baroque cities under Etna
32:00 – The legend and martyrdom of Sant’Agata
36:00 – Inside Sant’Agata’s three‑day feast and all‑night procession
43:00 – Devotion, identity, and the bond with a patron saint
47:00 – Festival sweets: Minne di Sant’Agata and more
51:00 – Catania’s unique arancine and horse‑meat culture
54:00 – How to follow Katerina and use her guides
Guest
Katerina Ferrara – Author of regional festival and sagra guides for Sicily, Puglia, Rome & Lazio, and Venice & the Veneto. She helps travelers anchor their trips around local celebrations.
Website: katerinaferrara.com
Instagram: @katerinaferrara_author
