The Real Meaning of Ferragosto in Italy: From Roman Roots to Today’s Celebrations

Every August 15, Italy comes to a standstill. It’s Ferragosto.
Ferragosto isn’t just a holiday—it’s a cultural event rooted in ancient Roman festivals, shaped by Catholic tradition, and embraced today as the height of summer celebration.

In this post, we’ll explore the rich history behind Ferragosto, how it evolved over centuries, and the many ways Italians across the country celebrate it today—from solemn processions and mountain picnics to seaside feasts and vibrant regional festivals.

Ferragosto at a glance: Editor’s note

You should know that the majority of Italians go on holiday in August, as many companies and offices shut down between the 7th and the 21st. Even local shops, restaurants, and bars often close for several days—or even weeks—during this time. That’s why big cities tend to empty out in August: Italians either head off on vacation or enjoy staycations.

Regardless of your plans, though, Ferragosto is always considered a special day to spend with family and friends—often at the beach if you live along the coast, or simply enjoying time together wherever you are.

As someone who travels often, I’ve never really felt connected to this tradition. To me, it’s just another day. But recently, I came across some Instagram interviews with young Italians who were asked why Ferragosto is celebrated—and surprisingly, many had no idea.

That piqued my curiosity. So, I decided to dig a little deeper into this uniquely Italian holiday. Here’s what I discovered. I hope you enjoy the read!

What Is Ferragosto?

Ferragosto is a deeply rooted Italian public holiday celebrated every year on August 15, marking the height of summer. It blends ancient Roman customs, Catholic tradition, and modern vacation culture, making it one of the most anticipated and beloved dates in the Italian calendar.

Whether it’s through religious processions, beach outings, family feasts, or regional festivals, Ferragosto is a time when the entire country slows down, takes a collective breath, and embraces the joys of community. The spiritual meaning of this festivity has been lost among the new generations, but the celebrations and festive mood are still very much alive.

Historical Origins – Feriae Augusti

The story of Ferragosto begins in 18 BCE, when Emperor Augustus declared a festival known as Feriae Augusti to celebrate the end of the agricultural season. Farmers and laborers, having completed the hard work of harvest, were granted days of rest and celebration.

Horse races, flower garlands for beasts of burden, and public events took place across the Roman Empire. The celebration also served a political purpose, reinforcing loyalty to the emperor and unity within society.

It was customary for workers to offer greetings to their employers, who often responded with gifts or bonuses—an early version of the “holiday tip.” The entire festival honored both labor and leisure, a sentiment that still underpins Ferragosto today.

Christianization – Shift to August 15

As Christianity gradually became dominant in the Roman world, many pagan traditions were absorbed and transformed. Ferragosto was eventually moved to August 15 to align with the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, one of the most significant dates in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

This feast celebrates the belief that Mary was taken into Heaven, body and soul. It became a powerful spiritual observance throughout Italy, marked by masses, religious processions, and town-wide festivals.

Over time, the sacred merged seamlessly with the secular: the same day honored both divine mystery and earthly joy.

Ferragosto under Fascist Italy

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Fascist regime sought to reframe Ferragosto as a symbol of national unity and accessible leisure for all.

The government launched a program known as the “Popular Trains of Ferragosto,” offering subsidized travel to the seaside, countryside, or mountains for Italy’s working class.

While basic in comfort and often without meals included, these excursions were a landmark in democratizing travel.

They helped establish the tradition of the mid-August outing, where families packed their own food and spent the day outdoors. This “vacation for everyone” approach planted the seeds for Italy’s broader culture of summer travel and regional discovery.

Modern-Day Ferragosto

Today, Ferragosto is one of the most unifying holidays in Italy—even if everyone celebrates it differently.

For many Italians, it’s the core of their summer holidays, with offices, shops, and entire cities closing down for a long weekend—or sometimes weeks. The country almost seems to hit pause. Major roads are empty as people retreat to coastal towns, lakes, mountain villages, or ancestral homes.

Religious traditions remain strong in many communities. Churches hold special masses, and towns host elaborate processions honoring the Virgin Mary. In cities and rural villages alike, fireworks, music festivals, and public feasts animate the evening skies.

More informally, Ferragosto is about rest, pleasure, and connection. Families and friends gather for barbecues, picnics, and long lunches under the sun. Cold pasta, grilled meats, seasonal fruits, and gelato dominate the menus.

Children play at the beach, grandparents reminisce in shady courtyards, and everyone savors the moment.

However, If you are planning a trip to Italy, August is definitely one of the worst time to travel

Regional Traditions of Ferragosto

From Sicily to the Alps, Ferragosto takes on unique and colorful forms across Italy’s regions.

In Messina, Sicily, a massive religious float known as the Vara is pulled through the streets by hundreds of faithful in a centuries-old procession.

Irsina, in Basilicata, hosts nocturnal home altar vigils filled with folk dances and songs. In Campania, the iconic palatella sandwich—filled with pickled eggplant and anchovies—is the star of Ferragosto beach picnics.

Lucera, in Puglia, celebrates with medieval pageantry and processions, while Torrepaduli, in Salento, echoes with the percussive rhythm of pizzica scherma, a symbolic fencing dance. In Foglianise, the Festa del Grano pays tribute to agricultural heritage with intricate straw-covered floats that parade through the streets.

Even outside of these regional customs, Ferragosto is a day of shared joy and reflective pause, whether celebrated on a crowded beach, a quiet mountain trail, or a small-town piazza filled with music.

FAQs

Why is Ferragosto celebrated on August 15?

Ferragosto initially fell on August 1, but was moved to August 15 by the Catholic Church to coincide with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary—blending Roman and Christian traditions.

What do Italians usually do on Ferragosto?

Many travel to the seaside, countryside, or mountains. It’s a time for relaxing, enjoying food with family and friends, attending festivals or processions, and watching fireworks.

Is Ferragosto a religious or secular holiday?

It’s both. It has sacred origins in the Assumption of Mary and secular roots in Roman celebrations of rest and harvest. Today, it’s celebrated as a mix of spiritual, cultural, and social traditions.

Do shops and services close on Ferragosto?

Yes—most non-tourist businesses close, especially in smaller towns. Travelers should plan ahead for the limited availability of public transport, restaurants, and shops.

Conclusion

Ferragosto is more than a day off—it’s a window into Italy’s cultural soul. Born from the rhythms of ancient harvests, shaped by centuries of faith, and animated by the pleasures of summer, Ferragosto invites Italians to pause, reflect, rejoice, and reconnect.

Ferragosto remains a timeless celebration of life at its most meaningful and communal.

Sources: Wikipedia