Alicudi island is nestled in the Sicilian Isles, an island with a rich history of escapism, magic, and isolation. There are seven volcanic islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily, including Alicudi.
The Alicudi island is approximately 40 kilometers west of Lipari, has a total area of 5.2 square kilometers, and is roughly circular. A total of 120 people live on the island, mostly through fishing or small agriculture. A single restaurant is located on the island and its menu is based on the fish caught by the local fishermen and the supplies transported by the hydrofoil.
In Alicudi Island, there are no roads, ATM, cars, or anything modern, yet thousands of stars are lit by the night sky. Its a perfect place for star gazing. Those who hates hustle and bustles of technology, actually love this island. Relax your mind, souls and body under countless stars lit up the sky.
This island was formed roughly 150,000 years ago by the long-extinct Montagnola volcano. The last evolutionary act of the island took place only 27,000 years ago. Until the 1950’s, residents ate hallucinogenic bread made by local housewives daily since the settlers arrived in the 1600’s. Eventually, Swiss Scientist Albert Hoffman discovered that ergot, a rye fungus that causes LSD, contaminated the bread.
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Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was first populated in the 17th century BC. During excavations on the island’s eastern coast, ceramic fragments dating from the Roman era were discovered.
Alicudi is derived from the Ancient Greek name for the island of Ereikousa, derived from the Erica (heather) growing on its slopes. For centuries, pirates invaded Alicudi frequently. Therefore, the island’s population was forced to live in small, terraced houses and the peach was the island’s main source of income.
Due to scarcity, local grain-based foodstuffs were consumed regardless of the fungal infection, leading to the island’s alleged witches and sorcerers’ reputation.
Alonso de Rivero, a Spanish diplomat, was created Count of Alicudi by King Ferdinand IV in 1807. In the Aeolian dialect, flying women are known as Maiara, meaning sorceress. These women would cover their bodies with special ointment to float through the air. Many villagers experience these maiara in Alicudi – mass hallucinations? A talkative hemp sack is also a tale, as is a ghost defecating behind a shrub and a man being turned into a variety of animals by a witch.
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