Olivette di sant'Agata

Olivette di sant'Agata are traditional Sicilian sweets made in honor of Catania's patron saint. These olive-shaped sweets are prepared only in January and February for the festival. They consists of almonds, rum, sugar, and green food coloring.

The mixture is kneaded until smooth, and it's then rubbed between one's palms into the shape of olives. Each olive is then rolled in sugar and left for a few hours before serving. And what do olives and saint Agatha have in common? According to one story, she was fleeing the soldiers of Quinctianus and knelt to tie her shoes.

While she was kneeling, a wild olive tree sprouted before her eyes, providing concealment and a hiding place while also giving her nourishment.