Italian holidays. Ferragosto, or the day of empty streets
Gaining momentum. Even those who did not go on a trip this year will devote August 15 to rest and doing nothing. And all because today is a holiday in Italy - the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, or Ferragosto ( Ferragosto).
Ferragosto is a strange thing. On the one hand, this is a pagan holiday at the completion of harvest work, on the other, it is a veneration of the Madonna. Where it came from and how Ferragosto is celebrated now, I will tell you in this article.
PAGANISM
The name "ferragosto" consists of two Italian words: ferie(vacation, rest) and agosto(month and name of the emperor - Augusto). Put together, they form the “August holiday” and, in fact, the Ferragosto holiday. It originated during the dawn of the Roman Empire, just during the reign of Emperor Augustus.
The previous festivals dedicated to the god of grain crops, Kons, which took place in September, were then moved to August 1. Throughout the month, the people of Rome enjoyed a well-deserved rest after hard work in the fields. During this period, horse races, mule parades, feasts and even... sexual games were held
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Changing the foundations of Italians is oh so difficult. Therefore, with the spread of the Christian religion, the Catholic Church decided not to deprive its parishioners of the holiday. So Ferragosto was moved to August 15, when Christians celebrated the Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assunzione della Santissima Vergine).
That is why religious processions take place in many cities on this day, and horse racing is dedicated not to pagan gods, but to the Mother of God
FERRAGOSTO TODAY
Now the residents of the “sunny boot” no longer wonder where this holiday came from. On this day, they simply enjoy life: they go to the beach or have a picnic in the nearest park, and in the evening they all admire the fireworks that color the sky. Turin's Parco Valentino will today host many who like to dine on the grass, and the Ligurian coast will look like a fabric made from hundreds of patches - bright beach towels and striped umbrellas. If you decide to spend your holidays in Italy in August, I advise you to choose cities closer to the sea, since the rest this period can be like ghost towns.
There are many beautiful places in the world. But each of them conceals not only external beauty, but also a rich history. It has evolved over centuries, filled with amazing traditions, creating the individuality of a particular place.
Italy is famous for its characteristic color. Everything about it is interesting: people, landscapes, cuisine, history, festivities. To visit one of them is to immerse yourself in another world that will swallow you whole. The last month of summer is especially memorable for residents. August 15 whose name is Ferragosto. This day is unusual and bright, like the country itself. This article will help you learn more about its origin and local traditions.
Ancient roots
The name of the holiday is of Latin origin. The exact translation of Ferragosto is "Rest of Augustus". The well-known Roman emperor is probably associated with its origin.
We mentioned that the Italian holiday Ferragosto is quite controversial. It combines seemingly incompatible concepts - church rituals and pagan ones. Of course, the latter are older and it was they who started the holiday.
The ancient Romans thus marked the end of summer work and the harvest. At this time, they dedicated rituals to the mythological god of agriculture, Consus. The owners gave the workers some food and money so that they could honor Ferragosto. The animals were also given the opportunity to rest.
The Catholic Church initially tried to abolish Ferragosto in Italy, but after a number of unsuccessful attempts, it finally accepted it.
The religious side of the holiday
The Dormition of the Virgin Mary or Ascension also took place on August 15th. This fact is confirmed by historical evidence. This helped to connect the festivities of the pagans with Catholic rites, because despite the fact that the transition to another world is a sad event, but for religious reasons, it testifies to the hope of rebirth and eternal life. Why not have a great event?
Peculiarities
August 15th is the date that all Italians dream of, as it marks the beginning of the holiday season. In this country there is no concept that everyone cannot relax at once. After the arrival of the cherished day, the country practically freezes. Local residents flock to nature, and offices, shops, bars and organizations cease operations for two weeks. The result is a lighter version of the post-apocalyptic plot of a film.
All in nature
Cities really become like abandoned havens that their inhabitants left in a hurry. Italians are very sensitive to maintaining traditions, especially when it comes to relaxation. But where does all living things go?
Local residents, even those who are not planning a trip to distant lands in the next two weeks, consider it their duty to visit nature. August 15th is a holiday in Italy and everyone celebrates it differently. Some people go to a water park, others prefer excursions (a good way to combine relaxation and cultural education), while others opt for picnics in tent camps.
Some activists arrange the necessary space in advance. There you can find large awnings to protect you from the scorching sun, plenty of firewood for a fire, a place for cooking and, of course, tents. Russians living in Italy claim that some people can spend the entire month of August outdoors, only occasionally stopping by to take a shower.
An interesting feature of tent cities is the concentration of a wide variety of people. It's no secret that each region here can have its own dialect and accent. Just listening to such an unusual conversation is enough to understand how multifaceted this country is.
The main thing is that Ferragosto in Italy is spectacular and delicious!
Real jam
Italy is famous all over the world for its cuisine, and the holiday menu can cause incredible gastronomic pleasure.
In times past, the remote delights of the people were much simpler. The most traditional and widespread dish was roast pigeons. All those who like to feed these cute birds in the park are probably shuddering now, but this is the truth of life. This culinary delight comes from Tuscany and originated more than a thousand years ago. Today, this dish is prepared only in a few regions of the country.
August 15 is a holiday in Italy, so tourists in other areas have something to enjoy. Sicily is famous for its frozen melon jam. For taste, it is garnished with lemon slices and delicate jasmine flowers.
The city of Stresa is famous for its special delicacy - Margheritine di Stresa cookies. It was invented by a local pastry chef in the 19th century. Over time, it became very popular among Italians and became extremely popular. Cookies were even served to Queen Margaret's guests during the holiday.
Ferragosto in Rome is celebrated with a delicious lunch. To begin with, they serve pasta with the most tender chicken liver, then chicken in a sauce with sweet pepper, and for dessert after a long, hot day, chilled watermelon is perfect.
In Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, locals bake aniseed pretzels, which they treat to friends and family. To do this, ready-made treats are placed in special holiday packaging.
In tent cities, the menu mainly consists of meat. It is better for vegetarians not to be there, because the number of piglets killed is simply record-breaking.
Pork is usually cooked over an open fire, rotating on a spit. Before eating, hot meat is placed between two large cork dishes with leaves of the myrto plant, which makes it much more aromatic. As for drinks, it is undoubtedly wine. It can flow like a river.
Program of events
To fully appreciate how Ferragosto is celebrated in Italy, you need to know about local traditions.
Among the most ancient of them are religious processions. Each city has its own unique features. In Palermo, the procession consists of young men who solemnly carry a statue of the Madonna. In Tivoli, it involves two figures at once - the Virgin Mary and Jesus. They are carried from opposite ends of the city to “meet” each other. In Sassari, the procession is decorated with large papier-mâché candlesticks, which are made in the shape of palm trees.
In Turin, until the middle of the 20th century, it was customary to go to a gala dinner in a restaurant or spend time outdoors, on a picnic near the Po River.
In Rome, throughout August, the townspeople filled it with water. The result was a huge pool, where fun swimming took place with games and jokes.
Unforgettable time
Let modern realities bring changes to this holiday in Italy. August 15 is still an expected date, because after it all worries will go away for two whole weeks. Try to share this unusual, tradition-filled day with the locals, and you will take a fresh look at the country!
Every year, at the end of the summer season, Italy seems to be dying out: not a soul on the streets, retail outlets are closed, the work of organizations and industrial enterprises ceases. All this is a period of mass recreation, the height of which falls on August 15th. This day is celebrated as a national holiday Ferragosto in Italy .
The name itself Ferragosto originates from Latin words "Feriae" And "Augusti", the translation of which literally sounds like "Rest" And "August". Previously, the holiday was dedicated to the famous Octavian Augustus. It was customary to celebrate it in September upon completion of land work, as a sign of worship of Kons, the deity of grain crops.
Where do Italians prefer to spend Ferragosto?
In cities for a while Ferragosto in Italy It really feels like life is standing still. For Italians, traditions play a huge role, especially those related to recreation. But where does the atmosphere of busy streets go?
It doesn't matter what plans the locals have for the next two weeks. Every Italian cannot imagine August 15th without going out into nature. Each family spends this day differently. Some people visit a swimming pool or water park, others go on excursions, others arrange a holiday with tents or go on picnics.
Exciting activities
To have a proper idea of the holiday Ferragosto on the Apennine Peninsula, it is worth familiarizing yourself with local customs. The most rooted of them are processions of a religious nature on this day.
In Palermo, the solemn moment consists of a procession carrying a statue of the Madonna. In Tivoli, her place belongs to the Holy Virgin and Jesus.
In Rome, for a month, local residents prepared Piazza Navona for the celebration, regularly filling it with water. By August 15, everyone can admire the huge pool, swim and have fun.
How tourists can have fun during the dayFerragosto
On the eve of the celebration Ferragosto in Italy You can find quite profitable vacation options from hotels, travel agencies, and “low cost” air carriers.
Almost every city organizes musical performances at this time, and the beaches become a place of general fun. Locals do not miss the opportunity to make fun of tourists, everyone laughs and douses themselves with water.
August 15 is the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In Italy the holiday is called Ferragosto. In southern Europe, this holiday also has secular significance. Back in Ancient Rome, a tradition arose to complete the harvest on this day and to celebrate this well. August 15 is always a day off, and for many it is the start of their vacation, which often has the nature of a national or regional vacation. When planning a trip to Italy in August, check whether the shops or businesses you need are open at this time in the region of your stay.
The word "Ferragosto" translated as "rest of Augustus". The holiday was established in honor of the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus, moving to this date the holiday of the end of summer field work, which previously was in September. It happened scary to say how long ago - in 18 BC. e. The celebration was magnificent, satisfying, and drunk. The peak occurred on August 15th.
Ferragosto was so rooted that the church, fighting paganism, adapted it to Christian traditions. In the 6th century, it turned into the holiday of the Dormition and Ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
Here is such a roll call of centuries - pre-Christian times, a new era begun by the appearance of Jesus, our days.
On this day, cities empty, people try to go on vacation to the sea or to the mountains. The rest go to a restaurant, pizzeria, or visit. The ubiquitous tourists are, of course, there, there are many of them, as always. It’s even interesting to get to Italy during the holidays!
These days there is a varied program - concerts, performances, outdoor performances. There are fireworks in all cities. The holiday has many traditions that are not forgotten today.
For example, in Porto Santo Stefano (Tuscany) an ancient rowing boat competition is held - the maritime Palio del Argentario. It resembles a carnival with its brightness and fun. Local residents dispute the title of the best rowers.
Ferragosto has its own traditional dishes and culinary traditions. In Sicily it would be a shame not to try eggplant caponata salad, in Calabria - pork frittole and many other dishes. In Umbria - spaghetti with goose sauce, on the island of Giglio - Ischitan rabbit, snails from Belluno. All in all, a paradise for foodies. Each small town tries to stand out and offer its own unique dish.
In Tuscany, anise pretzels have long been baked on Ferragosto. They are delicious and beautifully packaged.
Preparations are underway for this year's holiday. Museums, galleries, villas, temples, parks and so on will open throughout the country.
In Milan It is planned to hold a pyrotechnic festival accompanied by live classical music. City museums will be free on this day.
In Venice There will be a concert by Japanese pianist Seki Takahiro.
In Padua a film festival will take place.
In Udine You will receive a gift with your ticket to the museum - an ice cream cone.
To Bologna The famous gastronomic festivals (sagra) will take place.
In Genoa Traditional water throwing games will be played on the beach.
In Rome Museums, parks, swimming pools will also be open, and in the evening clubs and discos will be open. There is a holiday dedicated to Maria the Snow. Once upon a time, a noble couple prayed for a long time for children. The Most Holy Theotokos appeared to them and said that the Lord would send them a son. For this they must build a temple in the name of the Mother of God on the Equiline hill. In the morning there will be a sign at the site of the future temple - snow. And this was in August. It started snowing. There are other legends, but snow is everywhere in summer. In honor of this, an artificial snowfall is organized in Ferragosto on Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Belly Festival will be held not only in Bologna, but also in Florence. There will also be sagra. These festivals are dedicated to sweets, wild boar, porcini mushrooms, grilled meat and so on. Sagra is a wonderful tradition. In Tuscany, and in Italy in general, some kind of sagra often happens.
A thousand years ago, during the Carolingian era, the tradition of eating fried pigeons on Ferragosto was born in Tuscany. It has survived to this day.
This year, a competition for the best sand castle will be held in Ferragosto, Florence.
On this joyful holiday, people do not forget that this is the day of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin. Her Assumption was not sad. After the ascension of Christ, She lived for another 12 years in the house of John the Theologian in Jerusalem, firmly knowing that a meeting with the Son awaited Her. The Mother of God loved to visit places where the Savior visited and prayed there.
One day, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Her on the Mount of Olives. He brought Her a branch from paradise and a message that Her earthly life would end in 3 days.
The apostles at this time preached in different countries, but almost all miraculously appeared in Jerusalem and said goodbye to the Virgin Mary. At the hour of Her death, light illuminated the room. It was Jesus Christ himself who appeared with the angels and saints and accepted Her immortal soul.
In many cities in Italy there are religious processions dedicated to this event. In Palermo, the statue of the Madonna is carried by young men, the procession goes through the entire city. In Sassari, large candlesticks are carried through the city. A meeting of the statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary is held in Tivoli. In Siena (Tuscany) on August 16, the day after the holiday, a horse race called the Palio is held. They are dedicated to the Ascension of the Virgin Mary.
“In Italy, the Lord God himself goes on vacation for August!” - Gabriel García Márquez once wrote absolutely correctly.
Mid-August on the Apennine Peninsula is marked by complete calm in business and in the lives of ordinary people. Firms are closing (of course, those that are not engaged in maintaining the life-supporting processes of the country), shops (including some grocery stores!), many bakeries, trattorias and pubs. Italians are going on vacation! That's it, en masse!
The holiday period in August in Italy is often called Ferragosto, although this is not entirely correct. Ferragosto is the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary or Assunzione, celebrated on August 15th. This day also always marked the end of the big summer work season. Thus, the Ferragosto holiday combined elements of Christianity and paganism, and modern life imposed a period of holidays on it.
The origin of the word "Ferragosto" goes back to the times of the ancient Romans. The Latin phrase "Feriae Augusti" literally translates to "rest of Augustus." In 27 BC. The Roman Senate gave Caesar Octavian the name of Augustus, and soon a month was named in honor of the emperor. Previously held in September to mark the end of summer field work, the festival of consularia, dedicated to the pagan god of grain crops Kons, was shifted to August - the month bearing the name of the emperor.
Ferragosto is often celebrated right on the beaches. Beach parties around bonfires can last all night. One of the traditions of the holiday is dousing everyone with water; for a long time in the squares of Rome one could find oneself doused with water from fountains on the night of Ferragosto. In ancient Rome, horse races were held on these days; today the tradition is maintained in Siena, organizing the Palio on August 16.
The celebration of Ferragosto is so ingrained among the people that pagan customs did not disappear with the spread of Christianity. In the 6th century, “Feriae Augusti” turned into the celebration of the Assumption and Ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. In addition to Italy, Ferragosto is also celebrated in France.
In many cities of Italy, religious processions take place on August 15, and volleys of festive fireworks fly into the sky everywhere. In some places, the tradition of cash or food gifts from superiors to subordinates is still preserved, dating back to the times when the Emperor generously gave gifts to the people during celebrations.
A popular Italian proverb states: “A ferragosto si mangiano i piccioni arrosto” (In Ferragosto they eat roasted pigeons). However, today the tradition of eating pigeons has almost disappeared. In Emilia-Romagna, various gastronomic festivals are held at this time, where you can even try frogs and snails. An indispensable dessert on Ferragosto day is watermelon.
Most Italians go to the sea or to the mountains during the Ferragosto period. When it comes to choosing a vacation spot, the descendants of the ancient Romans are very constant and prefer to go to the same places year after year in the same company of relatives and close friends. Hotels in Italy are crowded at this time, and finding a free room is not easy. Those who have not left home are sure to go on a picnic or on an excursion on Ferragosto Day.
“Notte di Ferragosto” (“On the night of Ferragosto”), the famous song by Gianni Morandi, is heard everywhere these days. Ferragosto is still ongoing! Italians rest day and night. And let all things wait!