Festa dei Popoli — Culinary and Musical Migrations

A borderless square in Marina Corta

The Festa dei Popoli — Culinary and Musical Migrations is one of the most cherished autumn events in Lipari, the main island of the Aeolian archipelago in the province of Messina, Sicily. For one evening, the picturesque Marina Corta square, overlooking the sea and framed by the small church of the Anime del Purgatorio, transforms into what the organizers call "a square without a flag, an official language, or a signature dish": a diverse, colorful space where different cultures coexist and influence one another.

Cuisines and music from the Global South

The heart of the festival is the long row of food stalls set up by resident and migrant communities living in Lipari and the Aeolian Islands. Visitors can stroll between stands, tasting dishes from Brazil, Ivory Coast, the Philippines, France, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Ukraine, Venezuela, and many other countries. Beyond the food, the festival is defined by music and dance: North African percussion, rhythms from the Global South, dance performances, and flamenco interludes fill the evening until late at night.

A community project

The event is conceived and curated by the Magazzino di Mutuo Soccorso, an Aeolian association that engages an increasing number of volunteers each year. The festival has grown with every edition, funded through donations and community support, and serves as a moment of welcome and solidarity rather than just a simple food festival. Each edition carries a message: the most recent was dedicated to solidarity with peoples affected by conflicts.

When it takes place

The Festa dei Popoli is traditionally held in early October, marking the end of the Aeolian tourist season. The event begins in the evening and continues late into the night. It is the perfect opportunity to discover Lipari in a more authentic and local light, far from the summer crowds.