From Roman Holiday To Religious Feast, A History Of An Italian Summer Tradition
August 15 is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Italy. Known in Italian as Ferragosto, it is a day that marks a mix of ancient Roman history and Catholic tradition. Although today it is most commonly associated with vacations and family gatherings, the origins and layers behind Ferragosto reveals a far more complex history.
The roots of Ferragosto date back over 2,000 years to ancient Rome. The name itself is derived from the Latin phrase Feriae Augusti, meaning “Festivals of Augustus” — a holiday instituted in 18 BCE by Emperor Augustus.
The purpose of the festival was to offer rest and celebration following the intense labor of the summer harvest. It was a time when the emperor provided a break for workers and honored the deities associated with agriculture.
READ: What Is Rome’s Holy Year And The Indulgences That Go With It?
The holiday was marked by a series of public ceremonies. Even the animals that toiled in the fields were given a symbolic rest, paraded and adorned with flowers in a show of gratitude. During these celebrations, races were organized across the empire, often featuring horses, oxen and mules.
Such ancient traditions are still alive today, virtually unchanged in their form and level of participation during the Palio dell’Assunta which takes place on August 16 each year in the city of Siena, an event that dates back to the Renaissance when a big part if Italy was under the control of the pope. Some call the race one of “the most insane” in the world.
The holiday became an annual tradition that celebrated prosperity and the generosity of an emperor — a figure given god-like status — at the height of summer. It would be a holiday that would be observed for centuries to come.
As a result, Ferragosto became far more than just a summer break. It is a uniquely Italian occasion that encapsulates the country's deep historical roots and religious devotion all in one day.
As the Romans converted to Christianity, many pagan holidays were adapted into the new religious calendar — and Ferragosto was no exception. By the seventh century, August 15 was established by the church as the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
This major Catholic celebration honors the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. Though not directly described in the Bible, this belief became a widely accepted tenet of Catholic doctrine and was formally declared a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
Throughout Italy, where Catholicism is deeply rooted, the religious significance of August 15 remains important. Many Italians attend Mass in towns and cities across the country, especially in the south, with processions in Mary’s honor. The blending of the ancient Roman and Christian traditions gave Ferragosto a dual identity – both sacred and secular – that continues in modern times.
During Benito Mussolini’s fascist rule of Italy in the 1920s and ‘30s, Ferragosto was reshaped once again. The government sought to use the holiday to promote national unity. It was a nod to the working class, offering them affordable train travel for families to seaside and mountain resorts. The propaganda tool was aimed at promoting the idea of leisure as a civic right, while simultaneously reinforcing nationalism.
This move by Mussolini’s regime helped popularize the idea of Ferragosto as a time for travel and relaxation. During the postwar period, as Italy’s economy grew and going on vacation expanded as a concept, the tradition of taking time off around the time of August 15 became universal. Many businesses close for a few days and major cities like Rome, Milan and Naples empty out as Italians head out of town.
Despite this modern vacation culture, the holiday retains strong elements of tradition and community. Family gatherings are a central part of Ferragosto. Italians come together for elaborate meals — often held outdoors — with pasta, grilled meats and fruit playing starring roles.
The day remains is a time of rest and celebration. At the same time, Ferragosto has a significant economic impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors, with restaurants, hotels and resorts experiencing a surge in business.
Clemente Lisi is the executive editor of Religion Unplugged.