Happy Ferragosto to Everyone!

On August 15th, Italians celebrate Ferragosto, one of the most eagerly awaited holidays of the year in Italy—a day that combines history, tradition, and fun, offering everyone the opportunity to recharge their batteries. But what makes Ferragosto so special for Italians? Let’s explore the origins of this holiday, the most common traditions, and how it is celebrated today.

The term “Ferragosto” comes from the Latin “Feriae Augusti“, meaning “the rest of Augustus.” It was the Roman Emperor Augustus who instituted this holiday in 18 B.C. to celebrate the harvest and provide a period of rest for workers after the summer’s labors. Originally, this pagan festival marked the end of the agricultural season, but over the centuries, it was incorporated into the Christian tradition, becoming associated with the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15th.

Ferragosto is synonymous with relaxation and conviviality. From north to south, Italians celebrate this day with good food, sunshine, and the company of loved ones. Here are some of the most popular traditions:

• Day Trips:One of the most beloved traditions is taking a “gita fuori porta,” which means a day trip to the mountains, lakes, or countryside. Families gather to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. (And that’s exactly what I’ll be doing, as per tradition since I was a child!)
• Ferragosto at the Beach: For many Italians, Ferragosto means the beach. The shores are filled with sunbathers spending the day swimming, playing in the water, and enjoying meals under beach umbrellas. Some beach resorts organize special events like games, live music, and fireworks.
• Lunches and Barbecues: Food is at the heart of the celebrations. Whether it’s a garden barbecue, a picnic, or a meal at a seaside restaurant, the Ferragosto table is always laden with summer dishes like cold pasta, rice salads, watermelon, and traditional desserts.
• Events and Festivals: Many Italian towns and cities organize festivals, fairs, and fireworks displays to celebrate Ferragosto. These events are an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the culinary specialties of the region.

If you’ve had the chance to travel in Italy, you’ll know that everything is closed on Ferragosto! On this day, Italians take a break to recharge.

For this reason, many Italians use this day to reflect on their goals and prepare for the return to daily routines after the summer. It’s a time to get inspired, make new resolutions, and plan for the months ahead.

If one of your post-Ferragosto projects is to learn or improve your Italian, I suggest you don’t miss the opportunity to participate in our Italian Open Week. The Open Week is the perfect time to discover our courses, meet the teachers, and start a journey that will help you achieve your language goals. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your Italian, this is the right time to start. You can find all the information here.

So, all that’s left to say is… Happy Ferragosto to everyone!