Ferragosto: Italy’s Summer Holiday of Food and Fun
Italy truly comes alive during Ferragosto, a holiday that feels like the whole country takes a collective breath. Imagine shops closing, streets quieting, and a massive migration towards the coast or mountains for a day of pure celebration. This isn’t just a modern party; its roots stretch back over two millennia, blending ancient Roman traditions with something uniquely Italian. A Holiday Steeped in History The origins of Ferragosto trace back to 18 BC, when Emperor Augustus declared August 1st a