It is well known that the number seven holds something magical. It is a symbol of hope, a bearer of good fortune, and in the Christian religion, it represents perfection and completeness: seven are the days of creation, seven the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and seven the beatitudes. A number filled with spirituality, it is associated with intellect and knowledge, with the search for truth and with luck. The same is true in the Jewish religion, where the menorah, the Jewish candelabrum, has seven branches, and seven are the circuits of the Ark of the Covenant. The number also carried great significance in medieval esotericism, and in China, it is the lucky number par excellence, especially concerning love. On the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival of lovers is celebrated.
Sicily also has its own “magical seven,” though in this case, it is neither esoteric, religious, nor superstitious. Known as “the seven pearls,” they are the Aeolian Islands (or Lipari Islands), located off Sicily’s northern coast. Some of these islands can even be seen from Palermo, particularly from the peak of Mount Pellegrino, though the quickest way to reach them is by departing from the port of Milazzo in the province of Messina.
Their history is ancient: the islands were once underwater volcanoes that surfaced around 700,000 years ago. Over the millennia, numerous eruptions gave rise to pumice and obsidian, two materials of vastly different characteristics. Pumice, so light it floats, is still used today in cosmetics, while obsidian, known for its razor-sharp edges, was once fashioned into the first blades for primitive tools and weapons. Both materials became valuable trade commodities, and their exchange with other civilizations turned the islands into a vital hub of commerce, contributing to their economic prosperity.
Since 2000, the Aeolian Islands have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, thanks primarily to their volcanic origins, which represent an important model for global volcanology research. The islands have been the subject of in-depth studies since the 18th century, contributing greatly—and continuing to contribute—to the education of geologists. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania constantly monitors the volcanic activity of the islands.
As mentioned earlier, there are seven islands, and their names, from largest and most populated to smallest, are: Lipari, the capital of the archipelago, with about 10,700 inhabitants and an area of 37.6 square kilometers. Its name derives from the ancient Greek Lipàra (meaning fat, fertile) or Meliganìs (suggesting honey), or perhaps from the French word libe, meaning a “block of stone.” Salina, home to the Faraglione rock, was known in ancient Greek as Didyme (double, twin) due to its two main mountains. Today, the name refers to a small salt lake once used as a salt pan. Vulcano, the island closest to Sicily, was called Hierà (sacred) by the Greeks, as it was dedicated to the god Hephaestus, known as Vulcan to the Romans. Stromboli, from the ancient Greek word for round, is famous for its active volcano and the Sciara del Fuoco (“stream of fire”), a lava flow that can be admired from the sea. It also includes the small Strombolicchio islet.
Then we have Filicudi, whose ancient Greek name evokes the dwarf palm and the color purple, and Alicudi, derived from the Greek Ericodés (heather), which is the least populated island, with only about 100 inhabitants. Finally, Panarea is surrounded by the islets Basiluzzo, Dattilo, and Lisca Bianca. The archipelago is located about 12 nautical miles from Capo Milazzo and can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil.
The Greek origins of the island names serve as a reminder of the significant and lasting influence of the Greeks, not only in the Mediterranean but also, as seen here, in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The seven islands primarily focus on maritime activities, and despite their small populations, they host a variety of festivals and celebrations that draw many tourists throughout the year. Like other small Sicilian islands, they honor St. Bartholomew, the patron saint of sailors. On Lipari, he is celebrated twice: on February 13 and March 5. The February celebration, dedicated to the fishermen’s St. Bartholomew, features the “banner auction,” during which the banner is carried in procession, followed by an auction among fishing families, with the proceeds going to the church. The day concludes with a traditional religious procession and fireworks. In March, for the farmers’ St. Bartholomew, there is another procession, this time with traditional costumes and fireworks.
The Aeolian Christmas is also full of events, with visitors invited to participate in a live nativity scene, while at the Church of the Souls in Purgatory in Marina Corta, a special “Nativity of the Sea” is set up. From September 5-8, the 24th edition of the Festival of the Two Seas will be held at the Castle Theatre, featuring a series of captivating performances.
Religious festivities are celebrated year-round across the islands, including Easter, Palm Sunday, and Carnival, with parades of masked groups and floats. On Good Friday, the varette procession takes place, with ancient statues carried by confraternities, followed by a musical band. In June, vintage cars parade through for the GattopardoTrophy, culminating in tastings of local delicacies. Summer in the Aeolian Islands is further enriched by theatrical and cinematic festivals, with screenings and performances. Art exhibitions, local food festivals—such as the sweets festival, the bread and wine festival, and the squid festival—are also key events. Particularly noteworthy is the caper festival held on the first Sunday of June, celebrating the flowering of capers, a prized Aeolian product, alongside tastings of cucunci (caper berries). In the same month, the Troisi Memorial takes place, in honor of the beloved actor Massimo Troisi, whose role in the film Il Postinomade the island of Salina famous worldwide.
After exploring the unique lifestyle and characteristics of the Aeolian archipelago, the only thing left is to visit them—perhaps one per day. After all, there are seven, just like the days of the week.
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