The same joy experienced by Brazilians when December arrives and everyone just wants to enjoy holidays, sun and beaches, is exactly what happens to Italians in August, and for the same reason: the height of summer.
But in Italy there is a magical day for the fun to begin: it is the day August 15th, the Ferragosto. Therefore, the day before people gather on the beaches, light bonfires and wait for midnight.
New Year's Eve is very similar to New Year's Eve on Brazilian beaches, complete with fireworks, sea bathing and lots of socializing.
Anyone who travels to Italy during this period will find the big cities practically empty and stores closed with signs “Chiuso per vacanze” (closed for holidays). Logically, tourist and beach cities are completely crowded.
But what is Ferragosto?
Ferragosto is a word that originates from the Latin expression Feriae Augusti (“Augustus’ rest” in Portuguese). This was the name of a festival dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus that brought together several other celebrations, such as the Vinalia Rustica ou Consualia, named after the god of agriculture Consumption.
In the early days, the festival was celebrated on the 1st of August, but, due to the influence of the Catholic Church, the date was transferred to the 15th to coincide with the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in an attempt to give a religious flavor to a celebration that had previously been entirely pagan.
