Throughout the world, countries have their signature holidays. Italy’s is Ferragosto and it happens in summer. If you happen to be in Italy on or around August 15th, you probably will find trains, cafes, and restaurants fully booked with Italians on vacation. Ferragosto’s traditions are rich and ancient, steeped in both secular and sacred roots.

Feast of the Assumption Stained Glass
Image by Dorothée QUENNESSON from Pixabay

Ferragosto: A Celebration for the Working Class

Feriae Augusti / Ferragosto (Festivals of Augustus) is a national public holiday that began in 18 B.C. to celebrate the hard work of peasants. It originated during the reign of Emperor Augustus (34 BC – 14 AD), great nephew of Julius Caesar. Initially, the holiday was celebrated on August 1st, but changed to the 15th to coincide with the Roman Catholic Feast of the Assumption.

Changing Traditions

Until recently, close to 90% of Italy’s companies, shops, and industries closed for a whole month. Nowadays, businesses only close for a long weekend, or in some cases a vacation shutdown of a week or two.

Italian Closed for Holidays Sign
Image by Anja Knoche from Pixabay

Holiday Trains & Picnic Lunches

Benito Mussolini turned Ferragosto into a time for the lower classes to visit cultural cities or go to the seaside for a couple of days. He initiated the holiday trains with very low cost tickets which were very popular. However, because food wasn’t available on board, Italian families would bring packed lunches and set up barbecues at the seaside.

The food traditions of Ferragosto past persist today; cold sandwiches of salami, prosciutto, mortadella, cheese, and fresh tomatoes are ever popular. Porchetta sandwiches are especially famous (seasoned and slow-cooked pork loin), as well as grilled veggies, including eggplant and zucchini.

Italian Ferragosto Picnic
Image by Walter Bichler from Pixabay

What are Your Summer Traditions?

What summer celebration traditions filled your last three months and what summer food memories come to mind for you? Whatever they are, get out and enjoy if you haven’t already. Summer is flying by and the winter is a long one.

Traveler Tip: If you’re keen to improve your Italian, go here to learn a few words and phrases linked to Ferragosto. Happy learning!

Buon Ferragosto!