Madonna del Terzito Festival

A celebration of faith and tradition in the heart of Salina

The Madonna del Terzito Festival is the most deeply felt religious event in the Aeolian Islands. It is celebrated every year on July 23rd in Valdichiesa, a village in the municipality of Leni, in the green heart of Salina island, in the province of Messina. It is here, in the fertile basin nestled between the island's two mountains, that the Sanctuary of Maria SS. del Terzito stands—the most important Marian place of worship in the entire Aeolian archipelago.

The legend and history of the Sanctuary

Devotion here is rooted in an ancient tradition: it is said that around 550 AD, a hermit monk took refuge in the woods of Valdichiesa to escape persecution, and that upon his death, an image of the Madonna was found there. However, the most famous tradition holds that on July 23, 1622, the Virgin appeared to the woodcutter Alfonso Mercorella, who discovered an ancient painting on wood depicting the Madonna among the ruins. That discovery led to the first sanctuary, which was rebuilt and expanded several times until its major 19th-century renovation. The current building has a Latin cross plan with three naves and houses a wooden statue of the Madonna, inspired by the original painting, as well as an 18th-century canvas depicting the Virgin protecting the entire Aeolian archipelago. The sanctuary is entrusted to the congregation of the Tertiary Sisters.

The Madonna of the Bell

Local devotion calls the effigy the Madonna del Campanello (Madonna of the Bell): the statue holds a small bell in her hand, a detail that gave rise to the popular name and numerous island legends. The sound of the bell is considered by the inhabitants of Salina to be a sign of protection for the valley and for sailors.

The procession ritual

The highlight of the festival is the procession: the statue of the Madonna is carried on shoulders from the Sanctuary along the roads of the valley to the town of Leni and then brought back to Valdichiesa, accompanied by the faithful, the brass band, and a large turnout of residents and visitors from across the island and the mainland. The day comes alive with market stalls, concerts, and festivities that continue until evening, when the valley sky lights up with traditional fireworks.

Salina and the Aeolian Islands

Set within the landscape of Salina—the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, home to Malvasia wine and capers—the festival is also an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Messina and the Sicily Region, far from the most touristy routes. For many expatriate Aeolians, July 23rd is the day of returning home.