Assumption Day on the 15th of August, known as Ferragosto, is the day when Italians celebrate summer at its most glorious time; a day dedicated to the annual "scampagnata", a big picnic with friends and families, they simply must have fun! The country is virtually shut down during the days before and after this date, most people are on holiday and most business activities are stopped. The origins of the festival have both elements of the ancient and Christian worlds. First proclaimed by the Emperor Augustus in 18 BC, the feriae Augusti originally lasted for most of August and was a time to rest after the hard work of the summer harvest. Then the festival evolved from being a month-long holiday to an event celebrated in the second half of August and finally became a one-day celebration only. Later on, Christians began to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on 15th August and so we have the ferragosto of today. In the town where I grew up, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was actually celebrated with solemn mass followed by a procession, a big concert in the main piazza and fireworks. The 'scampagnata' was postponed to the following day when I remember going to the beach, eating refreshing slices of watermelon during the day and watching again other fireworks by the sea at night.