Cana

Cana, often referred to as Cana of Galilee, is a place name in the Levant best known from the New Testament, where Jesus is said to have performed the miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast (the Gospel of John, 2:1–11). This association has made Cana a focal point in Christian tradition and pilgrimage.

Identification and location of Cana are not settled. The biblical text places Cana in the northern part of the historical region of Galilee, near Nazareth. In modern terms, many scholars and pilgrims identify Cana with locations in the Lower Galilee, such as Kefar Kana or nearby villages in Israel. The precise site remains a matter of tradition and historical debate, and no universally accepted archaeological consensus exists.

Archaeology and sites attributed to Cana vary, with some locations showing remains from Roman and Byzantine periods. Christian communities have established sanctuaries and churches at or near suggested sites, reinforcing Cana’s role as a religious destination in subsequent centuries.

Other uses of the name exist outside the biblical context. Cana also refers to Cana, Virginia, a small town in the United States. In Lebanon, the village of Qana is sometimes represented in English sources as Cana; it is a distinct locality from Cana of Galilee and is known for separate historical and contemporary events. The name Cana itself stems from Semitic roots and has been used in various forms across history.

In summary, Cana denotes a biblical site with disputed exact location, a broader toponym in the region, and a namesake for other places in the modern world.