Event and Festivals on the Aeolian Island

A particular symbol of this event is the pole of the banner that is carried in procession; in the morning the families of fishermen participate to an auction for the pole and the proceeds are donated to the church. Procession in traditional religious costumes and ending with fireworks.

FEBRUARY / MARCH

AEOLIAN CARNIVAL

Parade of floats and masked groups.

5 MARCH

S. BARTOLO DEI CONTADINI (ST. BARTHOLOMEW OF FARMERS)

Recurrence of the religious festival dedicated to Saint Bartholomew of farmers. Parade in traditional religious costumes and ending with fireworks.

PALM SUNDAY

BLESSING OF PALMS AND WAY OF THE CROSS

In the morning of this day, people meet in the church of the well where there is the blessing and later the procession to the cathedral for the mass; in the afternoon the popular singers of the Aeolian Islands interpret the Way of the Cross in the streets.

HOLY FRIDAY

PROCESSION OF THE VARETTE

This is one of the most evocative processions. All local brotherhoods wearing traditional costumes walk through the streets of the town bearing ancient statues called varette. The band of the town plays along the main course preceded by children waving noisy tops.    

EASTER SUNDAY

EASTER PROCESSION

The procession in traditional costumes takes place on Easter morning in the ancient small square of Marina Corta that is the meeting point of two streams of people from different streets; after they meet, the festival ends with fireworks.

1 MAY

MAY DAY

Various events take place in squares.

JUNE / JULY

JUDO SPORTS EVENT

This event normally lasts 3 days; boys and girls of all ages gather for a judo tournament with final award winners.

2nd SUNDAY OF JULY

MARIA SS. DI PORTO SALVO

From the small dock of Marina Lunga bay starts the procession with boats heading for the sea in front of the bay. The event is enliven by stalls and concerts and ends with fireworks.

3/4th SUNDAY OF JULY

FESTA DI SAN CRISTOFORO (ST. CHRISTOPHER DAY)

This event is taken in the seaside village of Canneto. The festival is enliven by local tournaments, many stalls and concerts and ends with fireworks.

2nd HALF OF JULY - 1st HALF OF AUGUST

FILM AND THEATER SHOW

During these days, in the Acropoli of Lipari, the newest films are showed and the many theatre companies, such as the "Il piccolo Borgo Antico" of Lipari, enliven this place.

JULY - AUGUST

PAINTING EXHIBITION

The Aeolian Research Centre of History and the Saletta delle Lettere host regularly local and international artists' works of art.   

AUGUST

AEOLIAN CULTURAL AFTERNOONS

Presentations of books related to the Aeolian Islands.

7 AUGUST

S. GAETANO

Patron saint feast in Acquacalda di Lipari village. Fireworks.

21/24 AUGUST
 

SAN BARTOLOMEO (ST. BARTHOLOMEW)
PATRON SAINT

This is the most important event on the Aeolian islands. The official celebrations start on the 24th of August, day where the procession and fireworks take place; during the whole period, the small square of Marina Corta is the perfect place for concerts and open markets. 

6 /8 SEPTEMBER

MARIA SS. DELLA CATENA

The event takes place in Quattropiani village with music, dance and traditional fireworks; on the night of the 7th of September, a pilgrimage starting from Lipari town centre to the small church, about 5 km, takes place.

12 SEPTEMBER

CAKE FESTIVAL

In Pirrera village, women and some cake shops compete to make the best cake and sweet specialties.

14 SEPTEMBER

HOLY CROSS

Typical feast in Pianoconte village with local products and final tournament. Fireworks show at the end.

11 NOVEMBER

S. MARTINO and BREAD and WINE FESTIVAL

During the festival, songs and music are played in Piazzetta Santa Croce in Pianoconte village for celebrating new wines.

CHRISTMAS TIME

LIVING NATIVITY

During Christmas time, not always on the same days, the Aeolian islands popular song group organizes the Living Nativity in traditional costumes and re-enacts typical scenes of the past; every village prepare a crib in churches and along the streets.

SHROVE TUESDAY

SAUSAGES IN PIAZZA

 This event takes places in St. Marina village.

3rd SUNDAY OF MARCH

TAVULIATA DI SAN GIUSEPPE
(ST. JOSEPH DAY)

Like in Malfa, also Lingua village celebrates St. Joseph with the typical dishes of the island offered by local families to visitors.

LIVING WAY OF THE CROSS

PALM SUNDAY

Also in Salina, like in Lipari, takes place the Living Way of the Cross.

1st MAY

LABOUR DAY

On the occasion of Labour Day, in the square of Leni, the tavuliata is organized where local products are offered to visitors.

1st SUNDAY OF JUNE

CAPER FESTIVAL

Tasting of typical local dishes made of capers and cucunci (caper fruits).

17 JULY

S. MARINA

Takes place in St. Marina village in honour of the local patron saint.

23 JULY

MADONNA DEL TERZITO

In Leni village, the Madonna statue is carried in procession through the streets. The square, in front of the sanctuary, is enliven by stalls and lights.

AUGUST

FILM SHOW

In the squares of the island, outdoor cinemas are organized; a rare occasion for children and adults to watch a movie all together.

7 AUGUST

S. GAETANO

In honour of this saint, the village of Leni organizes an evocative boat procession.

10 AUGUST

S. LORENZO
(ST.LAWRENCE)

Celebrations in Malfa village.

27 AUGUST

S. BARTOLOMEO
(ST. BARTHOLOMEW)

Celebrations in Lingua village.

8 SEPTEMBER

S. MARIA BAMBINA  (ST. MARY BABY)

Celebrations in Malfa village.

OCTOBER

FOOD WEEK 

One week of the month is dedicated to culinary routes, cultural events, exhibitions and shows in the villages of the island.

6 JANUARY

VULCANO

LIVING NATIVITY and TORCHLIGHT

Living Nativity in costumes and re-enactment of typical scenes from the past; the evening ends with a torchlight procession along the streets.

5 APRIL

GINOSTRA

S. VINCENZO
(ST. VINCENT)

Despite it is a little village of about 20/30 inhabitants, Ginostra celebrates St. Vincent in its little church, as well.

28-29 JUNE

PANAREA

S. PIETRO
(ST. PETER) 

Celebrations in the church of the small port of Panarea in honour of this saint.

JUNE

VULCANO

BROOM
FESTIVAL

Local festival with typical products tasting.

1st SUNDAY OF JULY

VULCANO

MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE (OUR LADY OF GRACE)

Celebrations in honour of the Madonna in the village of Gelso.

LAST SUNDAY OF JULY

STROMBOLI

S. VINCENZO
(ST. VINCENT)

Celebrations in honour of the saint in the village of Scari.

AUGUST

FILICUDI

SEA FESTIVAL

This festival called "Filicudi, between myths and legend" gathers tourists and inhabitants on the island. A decorated boat parade heads for the Bue Marino grotto. In the deep sea, there is a sculpture depicting Aeolus. A rich programme of concerts and fireworks ends the event.

2 OCTOBER

VULCANO

GUARDIAN ANGELS

 /

25 DECEMBER

VULCANO

LIVING NATIVITY

Living nativity in costumes and re-enactment of typical scenes from the past.