Happy Ferragosto!
Ferragosto is an Italian national holiday celebrated on August 15th, marking the height of summer. It's a day when the ordinary recedes, allowing life's pleasures to shine through – day trips, BBQ feasts, beach bonfires, and fireworks with loved ones.
What is Ferragosto in Italy? – Discover this uniquely Italian holiday!
Ferragosto is an Italian national holiday celebrated on August 15th, marking the height of summer. It's a day when the ordinary recedes, allowing life's pleasures to shine through – day trips, BBQ feasts, beach bonfires, and fireworks with loved ones.
Every year, by the time May rolls around, "Got any plans for Ferragosto?" becomes the burning question in every conversation among friends. But beyond just brainstorming and making plans for this special day, there are fascinating fun facts to delve into, beginning with the origin of its name...
When did Ferragosto start?
Ferragosto traces its roots back to 18 B.C. when Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor, introduced the “Feriae Augusti” (translated as the “Repose of Augustus”). He intended this to be a period of rest and celebration following the arduous labours of the harvest season. This occasion also presented an opportunity to partake in various rituals, all focused on bracing for the impending winter. Intriguingly, the month of August owes its name to this very emperor!
Originally, Ferragosto was celebrated on August 1st, with festivities spanning several days. The entire Roman Empire erupted in jubilation, including games, horse races, and farm animals embellished with elaborate floral decorations. Moreover, it was a tradition for peasants to offer their best wishes to the landowning elite, hoping for tokens of appreciation.
Historically, Ferragosto was associated with numerous pagan festivals, particularly the Consualia, dedicated to Consus, the god of grain storage and fertility. However, things took a turn in the 7th century when the Catholic Church linked Ferragosto to August 15th, a significant day commemorating the Assumption of Mary into heaven.
This blending of pagan and religious traditions has given Ferragosto its unique charm, creating a moment for both spiritual introspection and merry-making.
What do people do on Ferragosto in Italy?
Ferragosto epitomizes the ideals of unity, sharing, and joviality intrinsic to Italian culture. In essence, it's a beloved event for both residents and tourists visiting during this period.
Many Italians use Ferragosto as an excuse to take a day off or embark on a holiday, particularly if it's close to a weekend. This leads to the “ponte di Ferragosto” (literally "Ferragosto bridge"), implying an extended weekend by adding a day or two around Ferragosto.
In quintessential Italian fashion, food is central to Ferragosto, with grand picnics and sumptuous meals uniting families and friends. From fish and classic prosciutto with melon to dishes like lasagna and slow-cooked chicken with bell peppers, indulgence is the order of the day!
Ferragosto and the Italian tradition of the scampagnata
When Ferragosto comes to mind, images of picnics and "scampagnate" (country outings) often dominate. These treasured traditions originated in the 1930s during the Fascist regime. At that time, the Ministry of Communications initiated the “Ferragosto trains.” Designed for affordability, these trains enabled even those with limited resources to explore the splendours of Italian cities, beaches, and mountains.
In 1933, director Raffaello Matarazzo filmed “Treno Popolare”, chronicling the journey of a group on one such train from Rome to Orvieto. Viewing this film today, it's evident how it showcased the nascent stages of mass tourism in Italy.
The Ferragosto train deals were available exclusively on August 13th, 14th, and 15th, offering two options: the “One-Day Excursion” within about 100 km and the “Three-Day Trip” extending to roughly 200 km. As these trips excluded meals, participants packed lunches ("pranzi al sacco"), laying the foundation for the Ferragosto picnic tradition!
Throughout Italy, special masses commemorate the Madonna, and it's not unusual to encounter events and processions blending the holiday's religious undertones with historic customs. Examples include the boat procession at Santa Maria di Leuca, the Assumption Cavalcade in Fermo, the Marine Palio of Argentario, and the globally renowned Palio of Siena on August 16th. Even in the tiniest villages, efforts are made to foster community spirit with concerts, festivals, parties, and rituals reminiscent of ancient Roman traditions. As dusk falls, fireworks are a common sight, beautifully concluding the day's festivities.