There are many beautiful places in the world. But each of them is fraught with not only external beauties, but also a rich history. It took shape over centuries, filled with amazing traditions, creating the individuality of a place.
Italy is famous for its characteristic color. Everything is interesting in it: people, landscapes, cuisine, history, festivities. To visit one of them is to immerse yourself in another world that will swallow you whole. The last month of summer is especially memorable for residents. August 15
in Italy is a holiday called Ferragosto. This day is unusual and bright, like the country itself. Find out more about its origin and local traditions in this article.
Ancient roots
The name of the holiday is of Latin origin. The exact translation of the word Ferragosto - "Rest of Augustus." Probably, the well-known Roman emperor is associated with its appearance.
We mentioned that the Italian holiday of Ferragosto is quite controversial. It combines seemingly incompatible concepts - church rites and pagan. Of course, the latter are older and it was they who laid the foundation for the holiday.
The ancient Romans thus marked the end of summer work and harvesting. At this time, they dedicated rites to the mythological god of agriculture, Consus. The owners gave the workers some food and money so that they could worthily mark Ferragosto. Animals were also given the opportunity to rest.
Initially, the Catholic Church tried to abolish Ferragosto in Italy, but after a series of unsuccessful attempts, she nevertheless accepted it.
The religious side of the holiday
The Assumption of the Virgin or Ascension also occurred on August 15. This fact is confirmed by historical evidence. This helped to combine the pagan festivals with the Catholic rites, because despite the fact that the transition to another world is a sad event, but for religious reasons, it testifies to the hope of rebirth and eternal life. What is no reason to arrange a magnificent event?
Features
August 15 is the date that all Italians dream of, as it is the beginning of the holiday season. In this country, there is no concept that everyone can’t rest right away. After the treasured day, the country practically freezes. Local residents flock to nature, and offices, shops, bars and organizations cease their activity for two weeks. The result is a lite version of the post-apocalyptic plot of a movie.
Everything to nature
Cities really become like abandoned havens that their inhabitants left in a hurry. Italians are very sensitive to respecting traditions, especially when it comes to relaxation. But where does all life disappear?
Local residents, even those who do not plan a trip to distant lands for the next two weeks, consider it their duty to go outdoors. August 15 is a holiday in Italy and everyone celebrates it differently. Someone goes to the water park, others prefer excursions (a good way to combine relaxation and cultural enlightenment), while others opt for picnics in tent towns.
Some activists set up the necessary place in advance. There you can find large awnings that protect from the scorching sun, a lot of firewood for a fire, a place for cooking and, of course, tents. The Russians living in Italy claim that some people can spend the night in nature all August, only occasionally looking home to take a shower.
An interesting feature of the tent camps is the concentration of a wide variety of people. It is no secret that each region here can have its own dialect and accent. Just listen to such an unusual conversation to understand how versatile this country is.
The main thing - Ferragosto in Italy is spectacular and delicious!
Real jam
Italy is famous for its cuisine around the world, and even the festive menu can cause incredible gastronomic delight.
In times of distant delights of the people were much easier. The most traditional and common dish was pigeon roast. All lovers of feeding these cute birds in the park, now probably shuddered, but this is the truth of life. A similar culinary delight comes from Tuscany and it originated more than a thousand years ago. Today, this dish is prepared in only a few areas of the country.
August 15 is a holiday in Italy, so tourists have something to eat in other areas. Sicily is famous for its frozen melon jam. For taste, it is decorated with slices of lemon and delicate jasmine flowers.
The city of Stresa is famous for its special delicacy - cookies Margheritine di Stresa. It was invented by a local confectioner in the 19th century. Over time, Italians became very fond of it and became extremely popular. Cookies were even served to guests of Queen Margarita during the holiday.
Ferragosto in Rome celebrate a delicious lunch. First, serve pasta with the most tender chicken liver, then chicken in a sauce with sweet pepper, and a chilled watermelon is the best suited for dessert after a long sultry day.
In Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, locals bake anise pretzels, which are treated to friends and relatives. To do this, ready-made treats are placed in special holiday packaging.
In the tent camps, the menu consists mainly of meat. It is better for vegetarians not to be present, because the number of piglets killed is simply a record.
Pork is usually cooked over an open fire, rotating on a spit. Before eating, hot meat is placed between two large cork dishes with the leaves of the myrtle plant, which makes it much more aromatic. As for drinks, this is undoubtedly wine. It can flow like a river.
Event program
To fully appreciate how Ferragosto is celebrated in Italy, you need to know about local traditions.
Among the most ancient of them can be attributed religious processions. In each city, it has its own unique features. In Palermo, the procession consists of young men who solemnly carry the statue of the Madonna. In Tivoli, two figures take part in it at once - the Virgin and Jesus. They are carried from opposite ends of the city so that they "meet" with each other. In Sassari, the procession is decorated with large papier-mâché candlesticks, which are made in the form of palm trees.
In Turin, until the middle of the 20th century, it was customary to go to a gala dinner in a restaurant or spend time in the fresh air, on a picnic by the Po River.
In Rome, throughout August, townspeople filled the area of Navona with water . The result was a huge pool where fun bathing with games and jokes took place.
Unforgettable time
Let modern realities have made a change to this holiday in Italy. August 15 is still the expected date, because after it all the worries will go away for two whole weeks. Try to share this unusual, tradition-filled day with the locals, and you will take a fresh look at the country!