Ferragosto is an Italian holiday celebrated on August 15. Originally, it may have related to a celebration of the middle of the summer and the end of the hard labor in the fields. The Catholic Church celebrates this date as a Holy Day of Obligation to commemorate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the real physical elevation of her sinless soul and incorrupt body, into Heaven.
Before the Roman Catholic Church came into existence, however, this holiday was celebrated in the Roman Empire to honor the gods—in particular Diana—and the cycle of fertility and ripening. In fact, the present Italian name of the holiday derives from its original Latin name, Feriae Augusti.
Almost the entire month of August was taken as a holiday and leisure time in Italy in honor of this feast day. In present days, Ferragosto is mainly a short holiday when Italians take brief vacations. The holiday often coincides with peak activity of the Perseid meteor shower, leaving Italians at a particular advantage to view the astral event seen best at pre-dawn hours.
On ferragosto, many Italians get the day off. People celebrate on the streets in many cities of Italy!
The August 13 Parliamo Italiano, which will be held at Maria's house, will honor the Italian holiday, Ferragosto (August 15th).
Maria will prepare a traditional "pasta al forno" and we will all be seated outside on an "Italian Style" long table in Maria's yard to enjoy the evening with friends, delicious food and wine. Kids are welcome!!!
This is a potluck event so please bring a side dish to share or beverage.
When: August 13
Time: 7:00PM
Where: For address and directions, please call 303-733-4335 or email us at info@italianinsititute.com
Cost: Free, bring a Potluck dish or beverage
R.S.V.P. required by August 11th
