Ferragosto is the festival that celebrates the summer. An anniversary to be experienced in company, in the name of lightheartedness and, possibly, away from home. To the seain mountains, in the hills or on the shores of a lake, the destinations to be reached vary according to the tastes and possibilities of Italians.
What matters is having fun, even with little. Just as the families of the past did, with the traditional trips out of town, which crowded the beaches or the mountain resorts, entertaining themselves until late with lavish lunches, songs and dances.
Today, in August, we continue to leave, preferring the most popular tourist destinations, whether they are marine or mountain. But, unlike in the past, more and more Italians are taking advantage of this holiday to visit the museums and cultural sites in our country. Therefore, this will also be a holiday Ferragosto, but, compared to the others that preceded it, to be spent with some limitations, dictated by the delicate period we are experiencing. The recent resurgence of Coronavirus infections, in fact, invites everyone to be more cautious. The use of the mask and the maintenance of the safety distance remain the guidelines to follow to live the day in complete tranquility.
Mid-August, the origins
The term Ferragosto derives from the Latin phrase Feriae Augusti (rest of Augustus), because it was the emperor Octavian Augustus who established it in 18 BC. The festivity was added to other pre-existing ones: i Rustic Vinalia, the Nemoralia or Consualia, all falling within the same month. This was a period of rest and celebration that originated from the tradition of the Consualia, festivals dedicated to Conso, god of the earth and fertility in the Roman religion, which celebrated the end of agricultural work.
During these festivities, horse races were organized throughout the empire, and the animals exempted from work in the fields (oxen, donkeys and mules), were adorned with flowers. In addition, in these days of celebration, the peasants greeted the landowners, receiving a tip in return.
August 15th, the choice of August XNUMXth
Originally Ferragosto was celebrated on the first day of the month. Only much later, the Church moved it to the August 15th, to make the secular recurrence coincide with the religious solemnity ofAssumption of Mary into heaven, a cult that spread from the fifth century after Christ. The dogma, according to which the Madonna was welcomed into heaven with body and soul, was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII only in 1950. The Ferragosto, as we understand it today, was born in the Fascist period.
From the second half of the 20s, through the after-work associations of the various corporations, the regime organized hundreds of popular outings for this day. In the 30s, in particular, they were favored by the establishment of special popular trains (later renamed "Ferragosto trains"), with low-cost fares that allowed even the less well-off to go to the sea, in the mountains, or to visit Italian cities.
Mid-August and traditions
From north to south, the traditions linked to Ferragosto are numerous and involve large and small municipalities. However, many of them will not take place this year, for security reasons. Most of these traditions originate from the ancient Augustan races with donkeys. An example of this is the Palio degli Asini, which since 1981 has been held on the first Sunday of August, in the Novagli hamlet of Montichiari (Brescia), and sees four contrade opposing each other. Not to mention the famous "Palio dell'Assunta" in Fermo, a horse race between the ten local districts, or that of Siena, on August 16.
And again, the famous Giostra del Saraceno, dated 15, in Sarteano (Siena), where knights compete in ancient games of skill. The most famous of the "jousting", that of Arezzo, takes place a few days earlier, on 7 August. In Porto Santo Stefano (Grosseto), the “chivalric tenzone” takes place, a colorful regatta between the four “guzzi”, historic four-rowers boats that represent the districts of the city.
Further south, the processions of the Assumption of the Madonna are particularly solemn. A good example of this is those of Pozzuoli and Messina. The latter is known as the feast of the Vara (or of the coffin), where a large votive chariot dedicated to the Virgin is carried in procession through the streets of the city.
The typical dishes of the party
Alongside the popular games and religious rites that take place on this day, the typical dishes of August XNUMXth are also worthy of attention. The traditional dish par excellence of this festival is the roasted pigeon. A custom born in Tuscany in the Carolingian era, which still survives today in some areas of Italy. In Rome, the traditional menu includes fettuccine with liver, stewed chicken with peppers and, finally, watermelon. In Foggia you eat the stuffed rooster, baked in the oven with potatoes.
In Sicily we prepare the Gelo di Melon or Watermelon, a typical spoon dessert. In Calabria grilled, baked pasta, rice or eggplant meatballs are preferred. In short, August is also the day of the big binges.
Yes to the celebrations, but in compliance with the anti-covid rules
In view of the day of celebration, many administrators have already run for cover by issuing specific ordinances, in order to avoid the spread of the virus. Precisely because of the recent increase in infections in our country, everyone is allowed to experience August XNUMXth in company and having fun, but with moderation and attention for themselves and others. So that the party remains as it is, therefore a beautiful memory to keep over time. Happy August to all!
