By now on Mount Etna it’s a game of poker. The four summit craters all seem to be simultaneously engaged in an extraordinary (in the sense of beautiful!) activity that, in turn, involves them all. After the spectacular years, the South-East crater has gone to rest and in its place the mighty Voragine has set fire and flames – also blocking the Central crater and setting the absolute record for height (3403 meters asl) of the volcano. Now, with the Voragine having apparently entered into quiet, here is the North East, making its voice be heard again.

The fire-breathing North East

Partly blocked by the pyroclastic material and lava expelled in recent years by the “brothers”, the North East crater seemed to be overcome and even “crushed” by events. Instead, slowly, from under the blanket of stones, ash and sulfur, the lava is reappearing. At the moment it emerges with a “spitting” hole, from which the gas pushes out fiery bubbles that produce powerful roars ( HERE – the impressive video by Michele Mammino ). It doesn’t take much study to understand that a greater push of gas will end up “popping the cork” creating, also from this crater, fire shows. Maybe in a week, maybe in a few months? For now we can’t say.

The silence of the Central

Even the old Central crater is now buried under layers and layers of cooled volcanic material. And it too is apparently asleep, or even “dead”. But we all know that Etna never dies and even when it is calm it actually boils with internal life. The Central – today called Bocca Nuova – could return to the game as soon as one of the other craters passes the “poker hand” to it. And in the meantime?

Meanwhile the Voragine and the South East observe …

In the meantime Voragine and the South East are not at all tired, nor bored. They are there to smolder their lava under the ash and every now and then they make their presence felt. At the moment the “game” is in the hands of the North East and we will see if and when it decides to expose itself and start the paroxysm.

The spectacle of an active volcano

Etna is a spectacle and it is the spectacle of an active volcano. This means that it is never completely safe to climb it if you do not have complete knowledge of its territory. For this reason, when you come to visit the great volcano you must always rely on guides. The local experts, who live and work on Etna, know how and where to take you – also to best witness an eruption. They know where to position to avoid the gases and ash. They also know when the risk is high or low. These rules of caution apply both to those coming from outside Sicily and to those who live at the foot of Etna and see it every day: admiring it does not always mean knowing it. If the North East starts a new lava show, be ready to enjoy it live and in complete safety, with guides and excursions tailored for you. (PHOTOS BY G.MUSUMECI)