Living in Culture

Every August 15th, the whole country of Italy takes a pause. Trains fill, kitchens are filled with the smell of homemade meals, and beaches overflow. The entire country takes a deep breath and enjoys a day of relaxation. This is Ferragosto, a holiday born in the time of Roman emperors, that is now an intricate part of Italian summers.

Origins

The holiday began as Feriae Augusti (Augustus Rest). It was introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE, as he felt the country deserved a rest after working hard on the year’s harvests. It was a time to rest after the work and give thanks to the gods for fertility and abundance, but Augustus also wanted a holiday to celebrated himself. The Catholic Church later aligned it with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which takes place on August 15th. Ferragosto has traditionally been celebrated on August 15th, and now the holiday has evolved to many taking the whole week, or even the majority of August, off to rest.

Modern Celebrations

Now, Italians flock to the seaside, mountains, or countryside. Families gather for big communal meals, often outdoors, featuring local summer specialties. Typical Ferragosto dishes include Pollo arrosto con i peperoni (roast chicken with peppers), pasta fredda (cold pasta salad), watermelon, gelato, and plenty of wine. However, there are some regional variations. For example, many coastal towns enjoy seasonal feasts.

Many towns have parades, music, and fireworks. Additionally, following gift-giving traditions to workers in ancient times, many employees get built-in time off or bonuses during August. The country feels like it shuts down for a day as many shops and businesses close for the holiday. Around the country, there are beach parties with games, dancing, and bonfires, festivals that include historical reenactments, folk music, and regional markets, and religious processions for the Feast of the Assumption.

Many areas around the country have unique traditions. For example, Siena, Tuscany, hosts the Palio dell’Assunta horse race in the main square on August 16th, and the day before is filled with excitement, markets, and opening events. Additionally, Sarteano, Tuscany hosts the medieval-inspired Giostra del Saracino (Joust of Saracino). Finally, Messina, Sicily, retains Ferragosto’s Catholic roots with a procession that carries the Vara di Messina, a large and ornate religious float dedicated to Mary, through the city.

Cultural Significance

This holiday represents rest, community, and togetherness for all Italians. It is a bridge between the ancient Romans’ agricultural cycle and the modern Italian summer lifestyle. Many in Italy look forward to this holiday as it symbolizes both Italian work-life balance and family time. Ferragosto is one of Italy’s busiest travel days; trains are packed, and there are many traffic jams. However, as a result, the cities remain virtually empty of locals. In the 20th century, Mussolini promoted cheap Ferragosto train trips so working-class families could reach the beach. The holiday now serves as the peak of summertime and a joyful time for all!

Buon Ferragosto!