Today the Italians celebrate Ferragosto. The 15th of August is the annual festival of summer. The name originates from the Latin feriae Augusti, 'August festivals', and has been celebrated since the Ancient Romans who on this date honoured the gods, especially Diana, and thanked them for fertility. However, the Catholic Church made this day their own by transforming it into the Holy Day of Obligation, commemorating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
For years, across Italy, virtually all businesses of towns and cities would close for the entirety of August as Italians took an extended summer holiday. Now, however, they only close for a few days in the peak of summer and the basic essentials remain open. Most people leave the cities to go to the beaches and the mountains for the holiday; spending time with family and close friends. Townships hold small food and wine festivals and have fireworks displays.
I first heard of this celebration when I watched a film called Pranzo di Ferragosto, which I wrote about here: Pranzo di Ferragosto. Oh, how I miss summer!
