What Is Ferragosto? Italy’s Biggest Summer Holiday Explained

Italian Summer Survival Guide – Episode 4

Reading time: 7 minutes
Level: A2–B1

Imagine This…

It is August 15. You are in Italy.

You want to go to the supermarket. It is closed.

You want to book a restaurant. Many places are full.

You walk through the city and notice that everything feels slower, quieter and more relaxed than usual.

What is happening?

It is Ferragosto, one of the most important summer holidays in Italy.

What Is Ferragosto?

Ferragosto is celebrated every year on August 15.

Today, it is a national holiday in Italy and, for many Italians, it represents the heart of summer.

The word Ferragosto comes from the Latin expression Feriae Augusti, meaning “the holidays of Augustus”. It dates back to ancient Roman times, when Emperor Augustus introduced a period of rest after the hard work of the harvest season.

Later, Ferragosto also became connected with the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Today, for most Italians, Ferragosto means holidays, family, friends, beach, mountains, food, relaxation and summer freedom.

Useful Ferragosto Vocabulary

Italian	English
Ferragosto	Ferragosto / August 15 holiday
festa	holiday / celebration
giorno festivo	public holiday
vacanze	holidays
ferie	time off work / holidays
mare	sea
spiaggia	beach
montagna	mountains
lago	lake
picnic	picnic
grigliata	barbecue meal
anguria	watermelon
gelato	gelato
fuochi d’artificio	fireworks
chiuso	closed
aperto	open
prenotazione	reservation

Useful Expressions

Italian	English
Buon Ferragosto!	Happy Ferragosto!
Buone vacanze!	Have a nice holiday!
Che fai a Ferragosto?	What are you doing for Ferragosto?
Vado al mare.	I’m going to the seaside.
Faccio una grigliata con gli amici.	I’m having a barbecue with friends.
Resto in città.	I’m staying in the city.
Ci vediamo a settembre.	See you in September.

Italian Survival Phrase

Mini Dialogue

Marco: Che fai a Ferragosto?

Anna: Vado al mare con alcuni amici. E tu?

Marco: Io resto a Milano, ma faccio una grigliata.

Anna: Bello! Buon Ferragosto allora!

Marco: Grazie, anche a te!

What Do Italians Do on Ferragosto?

There is no single way to celebrate Ferragosto, but some traditions are very common.

• Many people go to the beach.
• Some families organise a big lunch.
• Friends meet for a barbecue or picnic.
• Many Italians go to the mountains or to a lake.
• Some cities organise concerts, open-air events or fireworks.
• Many people simply relax and enjoy the summer.

Ferragosto is a day when Italians slow down. It is a moment to rest, spend time with people they love and enjoy the middle of summer.

What Do Italians Eat on Ferragosto?

Food is always important in Italy, and Ferragosto is no exception.

Depending on the region and the family tradition, people may eat:

• grilled meat or fish;
• cold pasta or rice salad;
• fresh fruit;
• watermelon;
• gelato;
• seafood;
• traditional regional dishes.

In summer, simple and fresh food is often the best choice.

Spending Ferragosto in Milan

Many visitors think Milan completely shuts down on Ferragosto. This is not completely true.

It is true that many Milanese leave the city and some local businesses close for the holidays. However, if you are staying in Milan on August 15, you can still enjoy the city.

Milan can be quieter than usual, which makes it a good moment to explore it slowly.

• Relax in one of Milan’s parks.
• Check which museums and attractions are open.
• Book a restaurant in advance.
• Enjoy an aperitivo in a quieter city.
• Take a walk around Brera, the Navigli or the city centre.
• Look for summer events, concerts or open-air activities.

Culture Tip: Why Does Italy Feel So Quiet in August?

August is traditionally the main holiday month in Italy.

Many offices, small shops and local businesses close for one or two weeks. Some Italians go to the seaside, others visit family, travel abroad or simply take time off work.

This is why some cities, especially business cities like Milan, may feel quieter in August.

For foreign students, this can be surprising. But it is also a great opportunity to observe a very important part of Italian culture: the value of rest, family, food and free time.

Common Mistakes

• Don’t assume everything is open. Always check opening hours.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to book a restaurant.
• Don’t be surprised if your favourite shop is closed for holidays.
• Don’t think Milan is boring in August. It is simply different.
• Don’t forget to wish people Buon Ferragosto.

Try It Yourself

Complete the sentences with the correct word.

• Il 15 agosto in Italia si festeggia __________.
• Molti italiani vanno al __________.
• A Ferragosto si dice: __________ Ferragosto!
• Una grigliata è un pasto con cibo cotto alla __________.
• Se un negozio non è aperto, è __________.

Possible answers:

• Ferragosto
• mare
• Buon
• griglia
• chiuso

Speaking Practice

Answer these questions in Italian:

• Che cosa fai di solito il 15 agosto?
• Preferisci il mare, la montagna o la città?
• Che cosa ti piace mangiare in estate?
• Nel tuo Paese esiste una festa simile a Ferragosto?
• Ti piacerebbe passare Ferragosto in Italia?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ferragosto?

Ferragosto is an Italian public holiday celebrated every year on August 15. It has ancient Roman origins and is also connected with the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary.

Why is everything closed on Ferragosto?

Many shops, offices and businesses close because Ferragosto is a national holiday and many Italians are on summer vacation.

Is Milan closed during Ferragosto?

Not completely. Some businesses close, but museums, restaurants, tourist attractions and summer events may still be available. Always check opening hours in advance.

What do Italians say on Ferragosto?

They usually say Buon Ferragosto!, which means “Happy Ferragosto!”

What do Italians eat on Ferragosto?

Typical Ferragosto food may include grilled meat or fish, cold pasta, rice salad, watermelon, gelato and regional summer dishes.

Continue Your Italian Summer Journey

Ready to Experience Italian Culture for Real?

Learning Italian is not only about grammar and vocabulary. It is also about understanding how people live, celebrate, eat, travel and spend time together.

At Il Centro, our interactive Italian courses in Milan help students discover the Italian language through real communication and everyday culture.

Whether you are ordering a coffee, buying a gelato, talking with locals or wishing someone Buon Ferragosto, every real-life situation becomes a chance to learn.

“Buon Ferragosto!” 🇮🇹☀️

Buona estate… e buon italiano!