2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
There are many beautiful places in the world. But each of them is fraught with not only external beauty, but also a rich history. It took shape over the centuries, filled with amazing traditions, creating the individuality of this or that 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 the residents. August 15 is a holiday in Italy called Ferragosto. This day is unusual and bright, like the country itself. Read this article to learn more about its origin and local traditions.
Ancient Roots
The name of the holiday is of Latin origin. The exact translation of the word Ferragosto is "Rest of August". Probably, the notorious Roman emperor is connected with its occurrence.
Wementioned that the Italian holiday of Ferragosto is quite controversial. It combines seemingly incompatible concepts - church rituals and pagan ones. Of course, the latter are older and it was they who started the holiday.
The ancient Romans thus marked the end of summer work and the harvest. At this time, they dedicated rituals to the mythological god of agriculture, Consus. The owners gave the workers some food and money so that they could adequately celebrate Ferragosto. The animals were also allowed to rest.
Initially, the Catholic Church tried to abolish Ferragosto in Italy, but after a series of unsuccessful attempts, it accepted it.
Religious side of the holiday
The Dormition of the Mother of God or the Ascension also took place on August 15th. This fact is confirmed by historical evidence. This helped to connect the festivities of the pagans with 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. Why not throw a big event?
Features
August 15th is the date all Italians dream of as it marks the beginning of the holiday season. In this country, there is no concept that you can not relax all at once. After the onset of the cherished day, the country practically freezes. Locals are flocking to nature as offices, shops, bars and organizations shut down for two weeks. The result is a light versionpost-apocalyptic plot of some movie.
All in nature
Cities really become like abandoned havens that their inhabitants left in a hurry. Italians are very sensitive to the observance of traditions, especially when it comes to relaxation. But where does all life go?
Locals, even those who are not planning a trip to distant lands for the next two weeks, consider it their duty to visit nature. 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 education), others opt for picnics in tent camps.
Some activists arrange the necessary place in advance. There you can find large awnings that protect from the scorching sun, plenty of firewood, a place to cook and, of course, tents. Russians living in Italy claim that some people can spend the whole of August in nature, only occasionally looking home to take a shower.
An interesting feature of tent camps is the concentration of a wide variety of people. It's no secret that each region here can have its own dialect and accent. Just listening to such an unusual conversation is enough to understand how multifaceted this country is.
The main thing - Ferragosto in Italy is spectacular and delicious!
You will lick your fingers
Italy is famous for its cuisine all over the world, and even the festive menu can causean incredible gastronomic experience.
At the time, the remote delights of the people were much simpler. The most traditional and widespread dish was pigeon roast. All those who like to feed these cute birds in the park are probably shuddering now, but such is the truth of life. A similar culinary delight comes from Tuscany and originated over a thousand years ago. To date, this dish is prepared only in a few areas of the country.
August 15 is a holiday in Italy, so in other areas, tourists have something to eat. Sicily is famous for its frozen melon jam. For taste, it is decorated with lemon slices and delicate jasmine flowers.
The city of Stresa is famous for its special delicacy, the Margheritine di Stresa biscuits. It was invented by a local confectioner in the 19th century. Over time, it was very fond of the Italians and became extremely popular. Cookies were even served to Queen Margaret's guests during the feast.
Ferragosto in Rome is celebrated with a delicious dinner. To begin with, they serve pasta with the most delicate chicken liver, then chicken in sauce with sweet pepper, and for dessert after a long hot day, a chilled watermelon is the best.
In Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, locals bake aniseed pretzels to serve to friends and family. To do this, ready-made delicacies are placed in special holiday packages.
In the tent cities, the menu mainly consists of meat. It is better for vegetarians not to be present there, because the number of piglets killed is simplyrecord.
Pork is cooked, usually on an open fire, rotating on a spit. Before eating, hot meat is placed between two large cork dishes with leaves of the myrtle plant, which makes it much more aromatic. As for drinks, it is undoubtedly wine. It can flow like water.
Programme of events
To fully appreciate how Ferragosto is celebrated in Italy, you need to know about local traditions.
Religious processions are among the most ancient of them. Each city 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 participate at once - the Virgin and Jesus. They are carried from opposite ends of the city to "meet" each other. In Sassari, the procession is adorned with large papier-mâché candlesticks 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 outdoors, on a picnic by the Po River.
In Rome, throughout August, the townspeople filled Piazza Navona with water. The result was a huge pool, where fun swims took place with games and jokes.
An unforgettable time
Let modern realities change this holiday in Italy. August 15 is still an expected date, because after it all worries will be gone for two whole weeks. Try to share this unusual, tradition-filled day with the locals, and you willtake a look at the country!
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