Buon Ferragosto .....

Ferragosto, or Assumption Day, is one of the biggest holidays in Italy celebrated on 15th August. Everyone takes the day off and heads to the beach.

Traditionally, Ferragosto marks the start of Italy's summer holidays.

There are celebrations throughout Sicily and also on the days before and after, including music, food, processions and fireworks.

Ferragosto is known as "Midsummer Madness" in our town and it is when the temperatures soar.

At this time of year the Northern Italian cities are deserted as everyone heads south to Sicily for their summer holidays.
Goodbye until 1st September



Ferragosto originated back in Roman times, when 15th August marked the middle of the summer and the end of hard labour in the fields. Later the Catholic Church adopted this date in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and then it became officially known as Assumption Day.

Straits of Messina
In Messina we have a huge procession with plaster giants of Mata and Grifon who are said to be the founders of the city, they are then followed by an elaborately decorated carriage which is pulled through the streets. As the night goes on flowers are thrown to the crowds and then fireworks light up the sky over the Straits of Messina.



 The beaches are crowded in Sicily during Ferragosto. In our town of Giardini Naxos the Lungomare (seafront) is closed to traffic in the evening to accommodate the surge of visitors joining the passeggiata. I also think it is the only time I have ever seen traffic lights switched on in Giardini Naxos.

The beach parties usually start with bonfires the evening before and last until the small hours.

So adorn yourself in your most glamourous bikini, pack a picnic, some Sicilian wine and head for the beach. Maybe take a midnight dip in the sea …. bikini optional.


Keep calm and Buon Ferragosto ……………………..

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