Capone Festival

A festival that tells the story of the Aeolian sea

The Capone Festival is the celebration that brings Rinella to life every late September. This charming little seaside village is part of the municipality of Leni, on the island of Salina, in the Aeolian Islands archipelago (province of Messina). The absolute star of the evening is the capone, also known as mahi-mahi: a fish with firm, flavorful flesh that crosses the Mediterranean in September, so much so that it is known in the local dialect as the fish of the "tempu ri capuna".

Capone, a symbol of Aeolian cuisine

The festival was created to promote the Mediterranean's fishing heritage and celebrate the gastronomic traditions of the Aeolian Islands. The capone is served according to the island's historic recipes: notably the famous mahi-mahi with Salina caponata, prepared with prized local capers, as well as fried in sweet and sour sauce with onions, roasted, or baked. Every dish tells the deep connection between Salina, its sea, and its typical products.

Atmosphere and conviviality in Rinella

Piazza San Gaetano, overlooking the fishing village of Rinella, fills with long tables, food stalls, and visitors arriving from across the archipelago. The evening, which generally begins at 7:30 PM, combines the tasting of seafood dishes with the pleasure of being together in one of the most authentic settings in the Aeolian Islands. It is a precious opportunity to discover Salina away from the summer rush, when the island returns to a more intimate and genuine pace.

Who organizes the festival

The event is promoted by the Municipality of Leni together with the Messina Tourism Bureau and the Amici del Frantoio association, with the support of the Pro Loco and local entities. Over the years, the Capone Festival has become a highly anticipated date on the Aeolian calendar, capable of extending the season and highlighting the maritime identity of this corner of Sicily.

Why it's worth the trip

• Tasting of capone (mahi-mahi) prepared according to traditional Aeolian recipes
• The setting of the fishing village of Rinella, on the island of Salina
• Salina capers and typical products of the archipelago
• An authentic popular festival, far from mass summer tourism