Miss & Mr Isole Eolie Pageant
Every year the Società Isole Eolie elects a Miss and Mr Isole Eolie at the annual Isole Eolie Picnic in February. It is one of many traditions proudly upheld by the Società.
The pageant began in the 1960s and the title was fiercely sought over by all eligible young women. To be named Miss Isole Eolie was a great honour for the winner and their family. The dynamic of the competition has changed over time, however, with the introduction of the title of Mr Isole Eolie in 1996.
Today, the competition is good-natured and provides a means of encouraging second and third-generation Aeolians to follow the footsteps of their ancestors by continuing this tradition.
Youth from 16 years of age are encouraged to nominate themselves to be a representative of the Società Isole Eolie.
A panel of judges evaluates the way contestants present themselves to the Aeolian community and respond to prompts delivered by the host of the competition. Those who place in first, second and third positions are later honoured at the annual Mr and Miss Isole Eolie Dance.
Back in the days when the Miss Italian Community pageant was still being held, two young Aeolian women qualified in the top positions: Angela La Bozzetta (Miss Italian Community 1980) and Teresa Luca (Charity Princess 1980).
More recently, Miss Isole Eolie 2012, Sandra Mandile, went on to become a finalist at Miss Tourism Australia 2013.
Miss & Mr Isole Eolie Timeline
- 1968 – The SMSIE holds the first Miss Isole Eolie quest at the annual family picnic.
- 1970 – The first recorded winner, Lisa Caponio was elected as Miss Isole Eolie.
- 1971 – The first Miss Isole Eolie of non-Aeolian or Italian descent was elected.
- 1996 – The first Mr Isole Eolie contest is introduced and is won by Frank Natoli.
