The Ferragosto It is the popular name for the national holidayAssumption of Marywhich is celebrated on August 15 every year in many Catholic countries. The origin of the celebration dates back to the time of itRoman Empireto be precise, 18 BCwhen Octavian Augustus established the feast of August holidays (meaning “August holiday”) to bring order to the pre-existing popular summer celebration, usually associated with agricultural work. The date of August 15 was established when Christianity associated with August holidays toAssumption of Marywhich is celebrated on that particular date, which led to the date being moved from the beginning of the month to the middle. Over the years, the celebration of Ferragosto has given rise to many popular traditions which is celebrated on the night of August 15 or the night of August 14, and has established itself as an occasion for day trips and days at the beach. However, the holiday is not celebrated all over the world.

What is the origin of Ferragosto?

Ferragosto, like many other popular traditions and Christian holidays, originated in pagan religion. In ancient Rome, various festivals were celebrated in the month of August celebrations related to the agricultural work cycle. One of the most important was the Consualiadedicated to the god Consus, patron of granaries and supplies.

Year 18 BC Octavian Augustuswhich had been proclaimed a few years before princeps and having established the principality instead of the republic, he united the former celebrations into a single festival. The celebration therefore became known as August holidays (or August fairs), the holidays of Augustus, from which our word Ferragosto comes. The start of the holiday was set at august calendarwhich fell on the first of the month, but the holiday period lasted several daysduring which horse races and other shows were arranged.

In 8 BC, shortly after the establishment of Holidaysthe month’s name was also changed and, to honor it princess, became Augustus (hence our August). Before that date it was called sextile (sextile), because it was the sixth month of the Roman calendar, beginning in March.

A parenthesis: precisely “in memory” of the Roman calendar, our months have names such as September, October, November and December, which are not the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth months of the year, as the name would lead one to assume, but the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth.

Ferragosto and the advent of Christianity

As we know, Christianity began to assert itself in the 1st century AD and in 380 it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Christians they rediscovered many pagan traditions and adapted them to the new religion. For example, the ancient festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice and nature’s “rebirth” became Christmas. A similar fate befell August holidayswhich was “welcomed” by the Christian religion and over the centuries became associated with Mary’s assumptionthat is, the ascension of Jesus’ mother to heaven, which was celebrated on August 15.

The assumption, in reality, it is not mentioned in the Gospels and the celebration only became established over the centuries. Furthermore, the anniversary was not officially recognized by the Church until 1950, when the Pope Pius XII proclaimed that Mary’s entry into heaven is one dogmathat is, a truth that cannot be questioned. But since the Middle Ages, the Assumption was celebrated as a popular holiday.

The celebration in Italy and around the world

In the Middle Ages, the Assumption was celebrated widespread in Europe and in particular on the Italian peninsula, giving rise to many traditions. Some were celebrated on the 15th, others at the beginning of the month “in memory” of it August holidaysbut as time went on the two celebrations merged.

One of the most famous traditions connected to Ferragosto is Siena Palio. Around 1200, the custom of organizing a horse race in honor of the Assumption was introduced in the Tuscan city, picking up the ancient Roman tradition of organizing such shows during the August celebration. Even today, one of the two dates on which the Palio is held is the 16th of August (not the 15th, as the day used to be reserved for another race, the so-called Palio alla lunga).

In modern times, the practice of granting a extra pay for workersat the employers’ discretion. In some cases, such as in the Papal States, the practice was “institutionalized” and the amount of compensation was determined by the political authorities. The tradition remained in effect in some cases until the beginning of the 20th century, but generally the supplementary allowance was delivered at the beginning of the month and not on the 15th.

Over the years the tradition of day tripwhich spread especially after World War II thanks to mass motorization. The fact that Ferragosto falls during the hottest period of the year means that the beaches are the most popular travel destination.

The celebration in the world

In Italy, Ferragosto is one National Daythat is, a non-working day. The same thing happens in several countries Catholic majority: France, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Poland and others. The date is also considered a holiday in Countries with Orthodox religion such as Greece and Romania. In some states organized on a federal basis, including Switzerland and Germany, the holiday is recognized only in part of the territories. Outside of Europe, Ferragosto is celebrated in some Latin American countriessuch as Chile and Colombia, but is not recognized in other countries on the continent, including Brazil and Argentina. But in many cases, although not recognized as a national holiday, Ferragosto is still associated with picnics and day trips.

However, the date is generally not celebrated Islamic countries and in those of Northern Europe with a Protestant majoritywhich, however, in some cases plan to celebrate holidays during other periods of August. For example in UK the last Monday of the month is one of them holidaysnational holidays (born in the banking sector but then extended to the whole of society). In other countries, however, the first Monday in August is considered a holiday.