Mid-August has changed over time, passing from pagan to Catholic feast. Here is how it was born and where it is celebrated
Among trips, barbecues and company lunches, you have ever wondered because we celebrate Ferragosto? August 15 is a day of celebration that dates back to the Roman period, but from party pagan it then turned into one Catholic celebration.
Mid-August is charged
The name Ferragosto comes from the Latin feriae Augusti, or rest of Augustus. It was indeed a festival in honor of the first Roman emperor, Octavian Augustus, which also gave its name to the month of August.
During that time it was celebrated first Conso, god of the earth and fertility in the Roman religion, and consequently the end of harvests and work in the fields, giving the people the deserved rest: the peasants wished the landowners good wishes and received tips as gifts.
It was the emperor Augustus who established this feast in 18 BC: the celebration itself of Ferragosto was held on 1 August, organizing horse races, floral decorations and parties that lasted until the 15th of the month.
The Catholic Mid-August
In VII century the Catholic Church moved the festivities from August 1st to 15th, converting it into a religious celebration dedicated to theAssumption of Mary: that day marked the death and rebirth of Virgin, which was received into heaven, both with the soul and with the body.
In addition to the classics excursions and ai fireworks on the beach, Ferragosto is still celebrated today in Italy also with religious ceremonies traditional.
Mid-August in the world
Despite being typically Italian, Ferragosto also exists in some European countries.
With its strong Catholic tradition, the Spain is one of the countries where the festival is most felt and is celebrated with processions dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
In Ireland the Assumption is called in Gaelic Féile Mhuire "sa bhFomhar: despite the temperatures are not so high, it is traditional to swim in the sea on August 15th to have good luck and health throughout the year.
The Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15th also in Canada during Arcadian Day, as present in the flag of Arcadia, the first French colony.
The actual Assumption is also celebrated in some South American countries, such as the Costa Rica, the Colombia and the Chile.
Now that you know why we are celebrating Ferragosto, look below at ours gastronomic advice.
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