What is FERRAGOSTO in Italy and how is celebrated

Ferragosto is a very traditional Italian feast and along with Easter and Christmas, is the most important vacation period in Italy. It is celebrated every year on August the 15th and it is a public holiday so almost every business will be closed on that day. Learn more about what is FERRAGOSTO in Italy and how is celebrated.

It is celebrated just in Italy, despite the major European countries where the 15th of August is just the mid-month day!

In Ferragosto, Italians gather to celebrate, eat, and spend time with family. In many regions, the day is deeply rooted in traditions dating back hundreds of years. Let’s explore the origins of Ferragosto, its modern celebration, and the traditions that give this day its unique charm.

The Origins of Ferragosto

Ferragosto takes its name from the Latin “Feriae Augusti,” which means “the festivals of Augustus.” Emperor Augustus established the holiday in 18 BCE as a time of rest and relaxation after the hard work of the harvest season.

In ancient Rome, this time was spent celebrating fertility and abundance, with people taking time off from work to attend festivals and compete in games and horse races. The celebration also corresponded with religious activities honoring numerous gods:

As Christianity developed, Ferragosto became associated with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a religious feast commemorating the idea that Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul. As a result, August 15th is both a public holiday and a holy day of devotion in Italy, with many people attending Mass in the morning before enjoying the rest of the day’s festivities.

Ferragosto Today: A Summer Celebration

For contemporary Italians, Ferragosto is the summer holiday, and many people associate it with vacations, beach getaways, and long family dinners.

The entire country slows down, and cities that are normally buzzing with activity might appear empty as residents travel to the seaside or the countryside.

Beach and Countryside Escapes

Because the holiday falls during the hottest time of year, many Italians choose to celebrate Ferragosto at the beach or in the mountains. Popular beach sites become crowded with families, couples, and groups of friends soaking up the sun.

Others prefer milder temperatures in the highlands or countryside to go trekking or simply relax in nature.

Either by the sea, a lake, or in the mountains, the goal is to enjoy the outdoors, escape the city heat, and make the most of the day off.

Picnics and Barbecues

An essential element of the Ferragosto ritual is getting together with family and friends to share a long, relaxed lunch. In many parts of Italy, this involves preparing for a picnic or barbecuing outside.

Typical dishes include:

• Cold pasta salads made with fresh veggies and herbs.
• Grilled meat and seafood, such as lamb, pork sausages, and fish.
• Fresh salads and sides with delicious summer tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
• Watermelon (anguria/cocomero) is essential for dessert, along with other fresh fruits like as peaches and figs.

In some regions, families prepare elaborate meals, such as lasagna, cannelloni, or join huge seafood parties in coastal towns. The day is about eating delicious meals and spending time with loved ones.

Fireworks and Festivals

Ferragosto is also a time for public celebrations, with many cities and towns organizing festivals, concerts, and activities. Some of the more well-known Ferragosto traditions include fireworks shows that light the skies in the evening. In coastal places, fireworks are frequently set off over the bay, creating a stunning spectacle as they reflect off the sea.

Another long-standing event is the Palio dell’Assunta, a famous horse race held in Siena on August 16th. This event is part of the famous Palio di Siena, in which the city’s districts (known as contrade) compete in a thrilling bareback sprint around Piazza del Campo.

Buon Ferragosto

On August 15th, people in Italy commonly wish each other “Buon Ferragosto!” and share warm wishes with friends and family.

This simple phrase communicates best wishes for a happy and restful holiday, whether in person, over the phone, or via text message.

Empty street in Rome

Every Italian city looks like a ghost town. No store is open, the streets are deserted and the few cars around are rushing out to escape the heat of the summer.

For many people, it’s a synonym with being at the seaside or in certain cases the mountains or the countryside.

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Listen, Read and Learn Italian

Now listen & read about Ferragosto in the Italian language:

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Traveling to Italy during Ferragosto offers an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture.

Travelers may expect closed stores, restaurants, and public offices, as many Italians take the day off to celebrate.

Conclusion

Overall, Ferragosto shows Italy’s desire to embrace tradition while joyfully celebrating the pleasures of summer.

Either you’re a native or a guest, this day symbolizes the warmth, festivity, and passion that define Italian life.

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