Buon Ferragosto!

The whole of Italy celebrates one of the most important holidays of the year „Thanksgiving”, with the whole family in August. The traditions of ancient Rome are revived today and are celebrated magnificently in cities and villages as they used to be.

It was Emperor Augustus who introduced the "Feriae Augusti" (German: Augustus rest) in 18 BC to celebrate agricultural work, but also as a rest period for the farmers after strenuous months in the fields. At that time, the celebrations were dedicated to “Conso”, the Roman god of the earth and fertility, and fell on 1st August. Horse races were held throughout the empire and the workhorses, oxen, donkeys, and mules were decorated with flowers. The Catholic Church postponed the holiday so that it coincided with the religious feast of the Assumption of Mary.

The ancient traditions of the Roman "Feriae Augusti" are revived today.

In Siena, for example, the "Palio dell'Assunta" takes place on August 16th. A competition between the 17 districts which are represented by riders decorated in different colours and coats of arms. In the rural areas, donkey races are held which attract a growing number of spectators. At the most famous "Palio degli Asini" the districts of Brescia always compete against each other on the first Sunday in August.

However, the most important celebrations of “Ferragosto” in Italy take place in the family!

For the Assumption, all Italians come home, no matter where they are. Everything stands still in the country because this day belongs to the families who gather at long tables and celebrate “Ferragosto” together over a good meal.

This year we especially enjoyed meeting our loved ones (despite all the necessary precautions) whether in Italy or Germany.

With this in mind, we wish you "Buon Ferragosto!"

Your Désirée and Louisa from DesOlive®