Ferragosto in Italy

When is Ferragosto holiday and how it is celebrated

Italy's sunniest public holiday, Ferragosto, is celebrated on August 15th. Ferragosto is traditionally the peak of the holiday season, and it's still widespread for companies and shops to close down entirely and send all employees on vacation. In our modern times with international trade and ever-increasing tourism, many businesses can't afford to close their doors altogether. Still, August remains the most popular holiday month, and millions of Italians take their annual vacation in the two weeks before or after August 15th.

Expect highways, airports and train stations to be super busy. All beaches will be packed. In the news you will hear about "esodo di Ferragosto", the exodus of people leaving the heat of the cities heading towards sea, mountains or international destinations. In the cities, you will see numerous "Chiuso per ferie" (closed for holydays) signs popping up, and you'll notice that there are far fewer Italians around and it's quieter than usual.

Keep in mind that this is an important holiday and all public offices are closed. Most museums and cultural sites remain open, so it's an excellent time to visit major attractions and sights or book one of our fun tours.

Ferragosto as a religious holyday: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven

Besides a celebration of summer, Ferragosto is also a religious holiday. The Roman Catholics celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. According to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, the feast of the Assumption commemorates the death of Mary, mother of Jesus, and her ascent into heaven after the end of her earthly life. The timing of the assumption coincides with a previously existing pagan holiday that dates back to the early Roman times.

The historical origins: Festivals of Augustus

The name Ferragosto has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic church, however, but everything with the Roman emperor Augustus.

The Feriae Augusti or Festivals of Augustus were introduced by the first Emperor of the Roman Empire in 18 BC. Several other festivities were already held in that month like the Vinalia Rustica and the Consualia to celebrate the harvest and the end of an extended period of hard work in the fields. The additional Feriae linked all festivities together giving the workers a longer period of well-deserved rest.

Ferragosto Traditions

Many of the ancient traditions that started in Augustus' time are still part of Ferragosto celebrations throughout Italy today. The horseraces that were organized across the Empire are still alive in our modern time. With the Palio of Siena that takes place on August 16th being the most famous example.

Expect Ferragosto celebrations throughout all Italy with music, food, parades, religious processions, beach games, water balloons, bonfires, dancing, and fireworks. Ferragosto is a day to relax, have fun and celebrate the summer. Typically Italians will use this holiday to indulge in lavish meals where families and friends gather all together, preferably at a beach location. Join in, do like the Italians do, either enjoying great food or just indulging in a little dolce far niente.

Ferragosto Summer Celebrations Around Italy

Siena’s Palio di Siena (August 16th):

One of Italy’s most famous traditions, the Palio di Siena, is held on August 16th in the city’s historic Piazza del Campo. This centuries-old horse race features competing districts (contrade) in a thrilling jostling for victory—an exhilarating spectacle rooted in medieval tradition. The entire city comes alive with parades, flag-wielding groups, and elaborate costumes, culminating in the intense race that draws visitors from around the world.

Naples and the Gulf of Naples:

In Naples, Ferragosto is celebrated with religious processions honoring the Virgin Mary, especially at the seaside church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Local fishermen and sailing clubs also organize boat processions, and many families gather for seaside barbecues or picnics on the pebbled beaches. Fireworks and beach parties create a festive atmosphere late into the night.

Venice’s Regattas and Water Parades:

The canals of Venice come alive during Ferragosto with regattas (boat races) and water parades featuring traditional Venetian boats and gondolas decorated with flowers and banners. These events celebrate both the maritime heritage and the religious aspect of the holiday, culminating in fireworks over the lagoon.

Sicilian Feast Days and Fireworks:

In Sicily, regional saint festivals often coincide with Ferragosto, featuring religious processions, candlelit processions, and fireworks illuminating towns like Catania or Palermo. It’s common to see street fairs, food stalls offering local Sicilian delicacies, and lively music performances, especially along the coast.

Rimini’s Beach Festivities:

Italy’s famous Adriatic seaside resort, Rimini, is packed with beach festivals, water sports competitions, and open-air concerts during Ferragosto. Beach clubs and hotels host outdoor dinners with seafood, and the night sky is often lit up with spectacular fireworks displays—an ideal way to celebrate summer.

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