August, when I was a child, used to be a bit of a strange month. Because of my father’s work, our holidays were always in June or early July. August was therefore spent at home. It was always very hot, and the attempt to create a breeze by opening all the windows was not nearly enough. The tarmac on the roads became slightly softer, almost melting with the heat. For me, it was a period of ice creams and favourite comics (my favourite at the time was ‘’Il grande Blek’’) and the occasional trip to Ostia and the seaside. It was not that often. My mum disliked crowded spaces and the little ‘’trenino per Ostia’’ in August was bulging with humanity in varying degrees of skin colour, from prawn red to sexy brown tan, producing an incredibly loud background noise of chat, laughter and summery music. My days were spent going shopping with my mum in the morning, usually while munching my slice of ‘’pizza bianca’’, and a visit to the local ‘’giardinetti’’ to play. As we were approaching the middle of the month, I remember the baker and the guy at the charcuterie, among others, reminding my mum to make sure that she had enough supplies for the ‘’Ferragosto’’ period. As the 15th approached, more and more shop metal shutters came down with a little piece of paper cello taped on them, usually saying ‘’Chiuso per ferie’’ (closed for holiday), followed by the dates. Around the 15th, the whole borough became a ghost town. Apart from a few bars and the ‘’Farmacia di turno’’ (Pharmacy on duty), everything was closed. Ferragosto was, and still is, sacred!
The Heart of Italy’s Summer Holidays
Ferragosto is one of Italy’s most cherished and widely celebrated holidays, a summer festival that blends ancient tradition, religious significance, and modern leisure. Observed on August 15th, Ferragosto marks a major moment in the Italian calendar—a day of rest, celebration, and family togetherness. The name “Ferragosto” derives from the Latin “Feriae Augusti,” meaning “the holidays of Augustus.” The festival was established in 18 BCE by Emperor Augustus, who declared a period of rest and festivities after the arduous agricultural season. Throughout the empire, public games, horse races, and gatherings were arranged, and the tradition of workers receiving gifts from their employers began to take root.
With the rise of Christianity, Ferragosto’s date, August 15th, became aligned with the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a major Catholic celebration commemorating Mary’s ascent into Heaven. In many regions, the religious and secular aspects of Ferragosto are intertwined. It is common for processions to be followed by communal feasts, music, and dance.
One of the most enduring traditions is the grand Ferragosto lunch—a lavish meal that brings together family, friends, and neighbours, often featuring regional specialities.
Ferragosto today
Today, the holiday has become synonymous with summer vacation. August is the peak of the Italian holiday season, and Ferragosto marks the midpoint of this period. Millions of Italians take to the roads, railways, and airports during this time, heading to seaside resorts, mountain retreats, and rural getaways. Ferragosto is more than just a day on the calendar; it is a living reminder of history, faith, and community. From its ancient Roman origins to its modern version as the peak of Italy’s summer, Ferragosto captures the essence of Italian identity—joyful, communal, and deeply rooted in tradition.
