Visit Italy this August and enjoy the ‘Ferragosto’

Its origins date back to Roman times, when 15th August marked the middle of the summer and the end of the hard labour in the fields. Later however, the Catholic Church adopted this date as commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and it’s then that it became officially known as Assumption Day.

Although Italy remains a very religious country, these days Ferragosta seems more to be seen as a time for rest and relaxation than for mass religious celebration. If you find yourself in an Italian city during Ferragosta you’ll see way more tourists than Italians, and if you head to the beach, lakes or mountains you’re likely to encounter many more people than usual.

Despite the feeling of relaxation, Italian people are always up for a good celebration, and as to be expected, Ferragosto is no exception. Some of the city-based shops and restaurants might be shut, but you are unlikely to find yourself with nothing to do, especially if you head to one of these places:

Rome

Every year, Rome plays host to the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto – an event that involves the whole of Rome, from the centre to the suburbs, bringing music to the entire city. There’s a different dance in each square, from tango to rock, hip-hop to samba, and a huge concert is held in the Parco Archeologico of Teatro Marcello.

Siena

On 16th August ever year, the people of Siena hold the second Palio of the year in the central square. A competitive and adrenalin-filled event that will get you fired up with the locals!

Alghero

Spending Ferragosto in Alghero will give you the best of both worlds – relaxation by the beach with the Italian city-dwellers, and one of the best fireworks displays around in the evening.

Sorrento

Sorrento is another coastal place that provides the perfect destination for Ferragosto. As well as relaxing by the beach, you’ll be able to watch the traditional procession of the Assumption and the spectacular fireworks that follow it. On 14th and 15th August all Sorrento’s clubs and bars organise evenings outdoors on the beach for dancing in the moonlight, and there are traditional bonfires held there too.

If shopping is your passion and no trip to Italy is complete without picking up a Gucci bag or some Fiorelli shoes, August possibly isn’t the best time for you to go. If you want to experience Italy at its chilled-out best though, there’s no better time to visit…