Discover one of the most iconic summer festivals in Italy

August 15 is not just another day ,it’s a special date that marks the peak of the summer season in Italy, blending religious tradition, national holiday, and popular celebration.  

Ferragosto brings together religion, relaxation, and gastronomy in a celebration that energizes the entire country. Discover how to experience it and where to celebrate like a local across different regions of Italy. Don’t miss the highlights from Liguria, where seaside events and floating light rituals take center stage.

What is celebrated during Ferragosto?   

Ferragosto is one of the most important holidays of the Italian summer. During this time, Italy comes to a halt. Offices close, employees take several days off, cities empty out, and millions of people head to the beach, the lakes, or the mountains to celebrate.

Where does Ferragosto come from?  

The roots of this holiday date back to the Roman Empire, when Emperor Augustus decided to offer a break after the exhausting summer harvests. He called it Feriae Augusti (the holidays of Augustus).

With the arrival of Christianity, it came to coincide with a religious celebration: the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven, commemorated on August 15. Since then, Italy has celebrated Ferragosto as both a sacred day and the perfect excuse for travel, beach outings, gatherings, and toasts. 

How is Ferragosto celebrated in Italy?  

Let’s take a tour through some of the most popular ways Italy celebrates this special day:

Packed beaches along the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Coasts  

From Rimini to Amalfi, and including Sardinia and Sicily, Italian beaches turn into true party scenes, filled with music, sunset aperitifs, and moonlit dinners. Many destinations host fireworks shows on the night of the 14th or 15th, DJ sets on the sand, and collective toasts with prosecco or limoncello.

Events and traditional festivities

Different regions offer unique experiences:

In Siena, the heart of Tuscany, the spirit of the Palio dell’Assunta begins to take over on August 15, although the iconic horse race in Piazza del Campo takes place the following day, on the 16th.  

Rome, for its part, honors the Assumption with solemn masses in historic churches such as Santa Maria Maggiore, accompanied by free concerts that fill the Eternal City with music and emotion.

In the south, Catania (Sicily) offers a more devotional and coastal experience: the procession in honor of the Madonna dell’Assunta is combined with seaside celebrations, fireworks, and outdoor dinners. Further north, the elegant Lake Como turns into a postcard-perfect setting, with regattas on its waters, traditional markets, and romantic dinners on terraces overlooking the sunset.  

Fireworks and concerts

Many cities organize fireworks shows and free concerts in squares or ports. Some of the most spectacular take place in Naples:over the gulf with Mount Vesuvius in the background; in Bari:over the Adriatic Sea; and in Verbania (Lake Maggiore): offering a synchronized show set to classical music.  

  Ferragosto in Liguria  

  From floating light rituals to gastronomic festivals in seaside villages. Enjoy unique experiences in true Ligurian style:

Savona: floating lights and emotions by the sea 

  On the eve of Ferragosto, Savona transforms into a fairytale setting. Dozens of people gather at the traditional Scaletto dei Pescatori to take part in the moving ritual of floating lamps: small lights released onto the water, carrying wishes, thoughts, or shared silences.  

  This moment, accompanied by live music and the warmth of the local community, offers an intimate and poetic side of Ferragosto.

Sori’s: Festa di Nostra Signora delle Grazie features music, a festive atmosphere, and a fireworks show by the sea.  

Must-see events in Genoa and surroundings  

“Ferragustando” in the Caruggi of Genoa  

  On August 15 from 12:30 PM, the narrow and iconic alleys of the historic center (caruggi) transform into a gigantic communal table. At the Ferragustando event, locals and visitors enjoy a shared social lunch.  

  Local restaurants and businesses offer simple dishes outdoors, creating a warm and festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Tigullio: music and shows in coastal villages   

  In the charming Gulf of Tigullio, Ferragosto is celebrated with tradition and flavor. Throughout its picturesque coastal towns, August 15 turns into a festive day filled with open-air markets, live music, and local culinary delights.

In Missano, a small village in Castiglione Chiavarese, the night comes alive in the main square with family-friendly performances and traditional dishes that invite everyone to sit down and share. 

Fireworks in Ligurian ports and beaches    

  On the night of August 15, fireworks displays are organized in towns like Varazze and Alassio, lighting up the sky over the sea and creating an unforgettable visual experience.

Rounding out the experience are dreamlike panoramic views, local cuisine, and an atmosphere full of tradition. 

In this way, Ferragosto reveals itself as much more than just a holiday: it’s an invitation to travel, to share with family or friends, and to celebrate life with all the senses. It’s a key moment in the Italian calendar, where history, faith, and the joy of living come together. A day when the entire country,from the Alps to the sea:joins in a single wish: to enjoy a Buon Ferragosto!   

Yanina Navarro