Filicudi, the silence of suspended words
Keepers of winds, legends and inexhaustible sources of beauty, the Aeolian Islands remain a constantly evolving reality. Abodes of unspoiled nature and a way of life that makes contemplation of places its cornerstone. The following column has no explanatory purpose in the strict sense; it aims to make those who will read travel not only in space, but mainly in the soul of these suspended places, between sea and sky.
Remote. from Latin remōtu(m), part. pass. of removēre; Far away, said of a lonely place.
A very small part of the world. Forgotten, unreachable and wild. Three adjectives that help to understand the (ultra)earthly condition of the most remote of the Aeolian Islands.
200. These are the souls who by choice, out of unconditional love for its rugged coastline and unspoiled nature, experience it throughout the entire calendar year.
The “filicudari,” despite the little grace of the label given to them by the Italian language, are people who are extremely dedicated to the contemplation of places and moments. It is not difficult to find them near Pecorini a Mare, a small harbor that has now become a symbol of the island, intent on celebrating the end of the day, when the sun sinks into the sea behind the nearby island of Alicudi. Probably while sipping a glass of Malvasia, strictly in silence and looking firmly toward the horizon.
Observing, from the outside, one has the feeling of attending a solemn ceremony, in which the souls of those present, despite the absence of sounds and voices, converse with each other.
They define and reflect inaudible words, suspended between sea and sunset.
Filicudi is an island on a human scale and for humans.Because the island, for anyone who experiences it, whether for a minute or a year, leads to a reflection of being. To a seeing oneself again in the people who inhabit it, proponents of a way of living, perceiving and understanding that is so current yet distant in time and space. To a reflection in the water of its crystal clear sea, which helps anyone purify their soul.
To a finding oneself in its narrow and impervious paths, which well define the image of what our existence is, between ascents and descents.
To getting lost in endless sunsets, silent chatter and suspended moments.
Filicudi – Photograph by Andrea Grano
James Gandola
The trip to the Aeolian Islands, accompanied by Giacomo Gandola, also took us to discover other islands, don’t miss them: Stromboli, Alicudi, Vulcano, Panarea, Salina.
And if you can’t wait to visit them, book your tour with Charter Aeolian by clicking here.