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"U Scontru"
It is one of the most beautiful and striking ceremonies of Longi and it takes place during the Easter Sunday. This ceremony is called “U Scontru” as the tradition wants that Virgin Mary and the risen Christ meet twice but they do not recognize themselves. At the third encounter the Virgin Mary recognizes her son and put off her mourning black veil. With the sound of the orchestra the procession starts followed by the numerous people that go to Longi for this special feast.
Christmas Novena - (from 15 to 24 December)
During the Christmas period Longi transforms itself: the village fills with lights, in every quarter people prepare the cribs and light bonfires to stay together and have a nice time. From the 16th to the 24th of December, during the period of novena, a group of young people goes around the village playing and singing Christmas songs. The night of the 24 December after the Holy Mess, Jesus Child is carried in procession and put in the crib prepared in the principal square.
Procession with cannizzoli - (8 December)
The procession of “cannizzoli” precedes the feast dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. During this celebration, that takes place the 8th of December, a statue of Our Lady is carried in procession through the streets of Longi accompanied by songs, prayers and old litanies dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Young people go first, and light the way with big canes used as torches, the so called “cannizzoli”. At the end of the procession these canes will be used to light a bonfire on the courtyard of Chiesa Madre.
Processions in honour of S.Leone
(20 February, 20 May, 21-22-23 August)
St. Leone, patron saint of Longi and bishop of Catania, is celebrated three times a year: the 20th of February, day of His death, the first Sunday of May, to remember the miracle of the wheat, the 23rd of August together with Christ Crucified. The devotion is deeply-rooted in the inhabitants of Longi and a lot of people who was born in Longi but live elsewhere come back to their village for the feast of St Leone. St. Leone is put on the on a vara1 and carried on the back for the streets of the village.
