Italian festivals: Ferragosto

Given that today is August 15 and is one of the biggest holidays of the year in Italy, we thought we’d give you a run-down as to what it’s all about.
While most Italians will say they don’t know why August 15 is a holiday, Ferragosto has its roots as Roman festival that has since been dedicated to the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

All interesting stuff, but what do the Italians actually do at Ferragosto? Well, if you haven’t taken part in the mass exodus to the Italian coast and are battling it out for your spot on the sand, you might find yourself partaking in mountain barbecues or having a wild night in Italy’s discos.

(I did both on my first Ferragosto in Italy and got involved in some wild drinking game involving dice – all this after a polenta lunch).
If you’ve ever seen Ferragosto celebrations among Italian communities overseas, you might have wondered what it was all about.
I certainly did when Norton St in Leichhardt, Sydney, was often closed for a festival and it was the middle of winter.

So whether you’re in Italy enjoying your holidays, or having Ferragosto in Leichhardt, we wish you buone vacanze!