Sure, it will be hot, it will be crowded, and it may be a bit inconvenient with so many shops and restaurants closed, but it will also be unforgettable, indescribable, and an amazing memory you’ll cherish forever.
Italy in August – a dreamy combination that promises an captivating experience for all travelers. As the Italian summer sun reaches its peak, the country comes alive with endless discoveries. ”
In the summer, Italy offers a number of opportunities experience something uniquely Italian. But, why should you choose Italy in August, even in the face of crowds and sweltering sun? While there countless reasons, today we are focusing on one: Ferragosto.
What is Ferragosto
August in Italy is essentially a month of celebrations, with various festivals and events taking place throughout. One of the most significant is Ferragosto, a national holiday, which Italians celebrate on August 15th. This holiday marks the peak of summer, and Italians take the opportunity to relax, enjoy their favorite dishes, and spend time with family and friends. You can witness colorful processions, lively street parties, and magnificent fireworks displays.
The origin of Ferragosto comes from the Latin phrase “Feriae Augusti,” when Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE established a day of rest and feasting, in honor of the harvest and a much needed reprieve from the intense summer heat. However over the centuries, it has evolved into a time-honored national tradition continued by modern day Italians – the impetus for this continued tradition occurred hundreds of years ago, when the Catholic Church helped move the Ferragosto holiday to coincide with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (August 15). Thus, the holiday, in a predominately Catholic country, took on even more importance.
What happens during Ferragosto
For many Italians, it is time to hit the beach, or the mountains. Ferragosto is a time for Italians to spend with friends and family, and so many will take to the ocean or countryside for a few days of rest and relaxation. It’s an important holiday, because it marks the beginning of the holiday season, a time for Italians to enjoy life and make new memories – for Italians, Ferragosto represents the understanding that there is a time for, work, but also time for enjoyment. For families that are not able to get away in Rome, many will go to Villa Borghese for picnics. Others will participate in numerous religious processions honoring the Virgin Mary.
A few other traditions around the country at Ferragosto include horse races, fireworks, and in Rome, the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto, which is essentially a citywide block party, with music and performances in almost every square.
It’s an important holiday, because it marks the beginning of the holiday season, a time for Italians to enjoy life and make new memories – for Italians, Ferragosto represents the understanding that there is a time for, work, but also time for enjoyment.
August in Italy: Worth a Visit?
We live by the philosophy that there is truly no bad time to visit Italy. However if you have an opportunity to visit during Ferragosto, it is an experience unlike any other. If you are in Italy for Ferragosto, you get to participate in events just as the locals do, and you can experience what Italians do in a culturally significant way. Sure, it will be hot, it will be crowded, and it may be a bit inconvenient with so many shops and restaurants closed, but it will also be unforgettable, indescribable, and an amazing memory you’ll cherish forever.
