Ferragosto coincides with the religious feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, the day when Catholics believe Mary ascended to heaven “body and soul” after the end of her earthly life.
However, the holiday has its roots in ancient Roman times, with the Feriae Augusti introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BC to celebrate the harvest.
These festivities were linked to the longer Augustali period – intended to be a time of rest after months of intense labour.
It was a rare occasion for the whole population to celebrate, as peasants and labourers mingled with nobility.
Not only people were rewarded for their dedication to the harvest during this time; “beasts of burden”, such as oxen, donkeys and mules were relieved from their work and adorned with flowers.
The Romans worshipped the gods of agriculture and those linked to the harvest, such as Vertumnus, the god of seasons, change and plant growth.
The women would also praise Diana, the goddess of the hunt, the moon and nature, who was also associated with childbirth and maternity.
Horse races were organised across the Roman Empire, and Siena’s Palio dell’Assunta, which usually takes place on August 16, keeps these traditions alive in modern times.
Another age-old tradition is celebrated in the Tuscan town of Montepulciano on August 15, where a historical parade takes place along with ancient games.
Meanwhile in the Abruzzese town of Castelli, renowned for its ceramics, locals drop all of the flawed ceramics from a great height, smashing them in a dramatic moment of celebration.
The popular tradition of taking a trip at Ferragosto was introduced with the fascist regime, which, in the second half of the 1920s, began organising hundreds of trips through its recreational organisations, even setting up the “People’s Trains of Ferragosto”, made available at discounted prices.
The initiative gave the working class the chance to visit Italian cities or spend time at seaside and mountain resorts.
The offer was limited to August 13, 14 and 15.
Today, the holiday combines both its ancient Roman and Catholic roots; it also marks the semi-official start of Italy’s summer holiday season.
Many Italians use the August long weekend to take a trip, usually escaping the heat at the seaside, lakes or mountains, while those left behind enjoy the peaceful streets and parks of city centres.
Among beach games, bonfires, fireworks and dancing, Ferragosto has become a true celebration of summer.
A key moment of the day is the traditional Ferragosto lunch, usually a barbecue or picnic with family and friends.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are the base of many delectable Ferragosto dishes, and sliced watermelon is a refreshing favourite.
While Ferragosto would usually be celebrated with special church services and religious processions, as well as local traditions, many events have been cancelled this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
