Ferragosto is the quintessential Italian holiday in August when almost the entire country seems to slow down. Streets empty, shops close, and entire cities feel like ghost towns as Italians flock to the coast or the countryside for a long, much-needed break.

How did this fun tradition, rooted in ancient Roman celebrations, come to define modern Italian summers? Keep reading not to miss the history of one of Italy’s most iconic traditions.

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What is Ferragosto

Ferragosto is an Italian holiday that takes place on August 15. This holiday, originally called Feriae Augusti, meaning Augustus’s Rest, goes back to ancient Rome and connects to Emperor Augustus. The holiday offered time off for laborers, especially in farming, to celebrate the end of the harvest season. It included horse races, feasts, and games. The goal was to reward hard work and strengthen unity across the empire.

Ferragosto Religious Significance

Ferragosto links to the Feast of the Assumption on August 15. This day honors the belief that the Virgin Mary went to heaven. Though Ferragosto started as a Roman festival, it gained religious meaning over time, especially with Christianity’s spread.

As Christianity grew, many old Roman festivals changed to fit new beliefs. Ferragosto merged with the Italian Holiday Assumption Day to create a holiday that mixed celebration with worship. Today, many Italians attend Mass and hold processions, with some towns blessing the sea, connecting the holiday to Mary’s protection.

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How Italians Celebrate Ferragosto Today in Italy

Today, Ferragosto, which translates as a day full of food, family, and relaxation, happens every August 15th. Here’s how Italians celebrate the day:

• Family Reunions and Feasting: Traditional Italian meals are enjoyed slowly as families gather together. Grilled meats and seafood served up with fresh pasta, then sweet summer treats like gelato and watermelon.
• Seaside Vacations and Beach Outings: August’s heat sends many Italians fleeing to the coasts for vacations. Events include games on the beaches, barbecues, and fireworks at night, mainly in areas like Amalfi or Rimini.
• Picnics and Outdoor Activities: Those not by the sea often take day trips into the countryside or mountains. Picnics with sandwiches, salads, and fresh fruit are a favorite.
• Traditional Events and Festivals: Concerts, street performances, and parades are organized in towns and cities. Large cities like Rome and Florence arrange fireworks, lighting up the night sky.
• Religious Observances and Processions: The day aligns with the Feast of the Assumption, so many attend church services or processions honoring the Virgin Mary. In small towns, statues of Mary are paraded through the streets along with music.
• Longer Vacations: Ferragosto marks the peak of the summer holidays. Many businesses close entirely for weeks, while families and friends travel and relax for an extended break.

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Cultural Impact of Ferragosto

Ferragosto means summer’s peak, so everyone takes off, businesses shut down, and locals rush to the beach. You see stores close, not just on August 15, but for a whole week or more. This is called “chiusura per ferie.” Quiet streets and emptier cities are a common sight.

Tourism goes through the roof as hotels fill up quickly and prices skyrocket. Some areas, like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and the beaches of Sicily and Sardinia, see a high Italian tourist inflow, which gives local economies a seasonal boost.

Festivals like Siena holding the Palio di Siena, a famous horse race around the Piazza del Campo are a catching standout. As Ferragosto travel season gives everyone a break, major Italian cities create a unique cultural phenomenon: the “empty city.” With so many Italians on vacation, big cities like Milan, Turin, and Rome feel unusually quiet.

Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová

Popular Ferragosto Festivals and Activities

Ferragosto, especially in mid-August, is a time of celebration in Italy, packed with diverse events that make summer special. Here are some notable Ferragosto activities and festivals:

• Fireworks Shows: Fireworks light up the sky across Italy on Ferragosto night, mainly in coastal cities, like Naples and Rimini. While in northern cities, lakes like Lake Garda and Lake Como also feature beautiful fireworks shows.
• The Palio di Siena (Siena): This historic horse race occurs in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. It is a historic horse race that takes place twice a year, with one race happening around August 15. This thrilling race dates back to the medieval era, when each have a horse, ridden bareback by a jockey.
• Processions and Religious Ceremonies: On the same day as the Feast of the Assumption, Ferragosto boasts religious processions in cities like Palermo. Statues of Mary are paraded through streets, accompanied by prayers and hymns. It’s a moment of devotion and community.
• Ferragosto Festivals in Italian Hill Towns: Smaller towns celebrate Ferragosto with festivals filled with traditional food, games, and music. In regions like Umbria, and Abruzzo, locals enjoy open-air feasts and share local customs and crafts with visitors.
• Water Games and Coastal Celebrations: Ferragosto lands in the heat of summer, which sparks many festivities on the coast. Beaches in Rimini and Puglia come alive with sandcastle contests and unique games, like the “greasy pole.”
• San Gennaro Festival on Arthur Avenue, Bronx, New York: In the U.S., Italian-Americans celebrate Ferragosto on Arthur Avenue, known as “Little Italy of the Bronx.” This festival, held in early September, features traditional Italian food and music and connects communities to their heritage.
• Outdoor Concerts and Dancing: Towns often host free outdoor concerts during Ferragosto, featuring pop music or folk bands. In addition, traditional tarantella dances invite everyone to join.

Travel Tips for Ferragosto

Visiting Italy during Ferragosto can be an exciting adventure, but planning ahead is vital. Here’s some essential advice during this festive time:

• Book Early: During August, many tourists flood popular areas, and hotels and trains fill up quickly, so book your spot well ahead of time.
• Expect Empty Cities: In mid-August, many businesses, mainly smaller ones, may shut down for the holiday. Larger attractions often remain open, but check their hours beforehand to avoid surprises.
• Prepare for Hot Weather: Temperatures can soar in August, often surpassing 30°C (86°F). Therefore, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress lightly to cope with the heat.
• Explore Ferragosto Events: Ferragosto time is filled with celebrations, from parades to fireworks. Ask locals for insider tips on where to find events, as they vary by location and can provide a memorable experience.
• Book Parking in Advance: Heavy traffic is common during Ferragosto. Opt for trains to avoid the stress of congestion, and if driving, reserve parking to save time and frustration.
• Be Prepared for Higher Prices: Prices for accommodations and services tend to spike during Ferragosto time. Booking early can help you secure better deals and save money overall.
• Take Part in Outdoor and Beach Activities: Ferragosto is ideal for outdoor fun. Engage in beach games or join community picnics to get the gist of the holiday spirit.
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## Regional Variations in Ferragosto Celebrations

Ferragosto, an Italian holiday, varies across regions. Each area has its own way of celebrating. Even in the U.S., the festivities have a unique twist. Here’s a glance at how different places observe this special day:

Northern Italy: The northern regions retreat to lakes or mountains, enjoying picnics and concerts. Fireworks light up the sky above lakes like Como and Garda, while the Alps offer cool hikes and serene nature spots.

Central Italy: Tuscany and Umbria celebrate with reenactments and food fairs. People dress in medieval outfits and feast on local dishes, like porchetta (roast pork) and pici pasta. While in Rome, concerts draw in visitors, and families gather for backyard barbecues.

Southern Italy: In places like Campania and Sicily, Ferragosto merges religious events with seaside fun. Statues are paraded, and beach parties abound. The Amalfi Coast sees seafood feasts and traditional dances, like the pizzica in Puglia.

Sardinia: Sardinia celebrates with grand feasts, roast suckling pig (porceddu), and sweet pastries. Villages hold processions while the Costa Smeralda hosts open-air concerts and fireworks.

Italian Communities in New York: Bronx Ferragosto Festival: In the Bronx’s Little Italy, the Ferragosto Festival happens in September, and celebrates Italian culture with street food and music. The event honors both Ferragosto’s Italian origins and Italian-American culture. Additionally, Little Italy in Manhattan celebrates the Feast of San Gennaro, a long-standing Italian festival.

Emilia-Romagna: Rimini and Riccione turn into party hubs along the Adriatic coast. Expect beach parties and DJs, while Bologna enjoys quieter picnics with classic meals like lasagna.

Veneto: Venice is known for boat races during Ferragosto, with cheering crowds along the canals. Venetians and visitors gather along the canals to watch the races, followed by festivities at St. Mark’s Square.

The Assumption Day of Mary: The Holiday Assumption Day of Mary on August 15 intertwines deeply with Ferragosto. Many towns with strong Catholic traditions host solemn Masses and processions. In places like Matera and Salerno, you might see featuring statues of Mary, accompanied by music and prayers.

Photo by Giannino Nalin