Buon ferragosto a tutti.

marcella Image
08/15/2009 - 03:08

Don't eat or drink too much today!! I'm off to mass soon.

Comment

Grazie, Marcella. Ferragosto is a big festivity for women. Here is a thread that I published in the old Forum for those who were not very familiar with the festivity:QUOTETomorrow is one of Italy's most important days: Ferragosto or the Day of Santa Maria Assunta.Every town has its own way of celebrating this festivity and particularly when the local parish church is named after the Virgin Mary. You can expect solemn masses, processions, etc. But this festival really has pagan origins, the Feriae Augusti, celebrated by the Romans.It is a day dedicated to women, so girls, use your rights! Go to the restaurant, the beach, get yourself something nice.... if you can find a shop open..... have a ball!If you want a bit of extra information about the Pagan-Catholic link, have a look:The Italian Holiday Ferragosto - Sacred or Profane? - Associated ContentUNQUOTEBuon Ferragosto!

If you decide to spend any time on the beach today, look out for 'Gavettone' - it's 'open house' for youngsters to throw water filled balloons etc at anyone and everyone! This doesn't stop here, and buckets, plastic bottles etc will also be filled and the contents flung indescriminately! I even saw once some youngsters sneak up behind an elderly lady - they were equiped with a small baby bath full of water - and tip it's contents over her! Particularly irresponsible behaviour in this case, however bear in mind that you may be considered legitimate targets on the beach and lungomare etc. I also once saw a middle aged lady hit by a water bomb; obviously not appreciated, as she grabbed the teenager by the hair and gave out a good cuffing! If you can however grin and bear it; it's been a long standing tradition that; as often happens; got a bit out of hand.Buon Ferragosto!