It’s Ferragosto!
Ferrogosto is a public Italian holiday that every year celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15th. The name ‘Ferragosto’ however has a different connotation with ancient Roman origins: it marked the height of the end-of-the-harvest festivities promoted by Emperor Augustus in the 1st century.
Like many Italians do around this time of year, we’re packing up picnics and taking off to the beaches, mountains or the countryside of Italy for some much needed R&R.
If on the other hand you’ll be staying in the city, here are a few tips on what restaurants stay open in August in Rome this year.
Looking for a last-minute Ferragosto getaway destination? Browse our Weekend Guides series for travel inpiration.
Many cities around Italy host religious parades and festivals. In Siena the annual Palio dell’Assunta is held in the main square on August 16th. Seven randomly picked “contrade” are represented by riders in Renaissance costume who ride saddle-free horses and race 3 times around the assembled crowds to win the title and display the pailo, a painted tapestry in thier neighborhood.
