Ferragosto is a public holiday in Italy and is celebrated every year on August 15th.

Ferragosto is a holiday with both Roman and religious roots when most businesses are closed. This holiday originates from the festival of emperor Augustus, who made the 1st of August a day of rest after the weeks of hard work of the agricultural sector. Thereafter, the Catholic Church moved the festivity to the 15th of August which is the Assumption of Mary 

In fact, Ferragosto now kicks off the period intended for rest where many locals close their shops and vacation for 2 weeks.

August is a slower month in Italy in terms of work no matter what field you are in. Some businesses close down before August 15th for their holiday but almost all will be off the immediate week following Ferragosto.

Early August is a time to make sure you are well stocked on things you may need because chances are, the shop you frequent at will be closed at some point during the month.

Of course, not everything will be closed in Italy during August especially in tourist areas, but your choices for restaurants and shopping will be limited.

On Ferragosto, many people enjoy an outdoor celebration for lunch at the seaside, mountains or green areas. Food choices such pasta salad and torta salata are abundant.

Here’s a cold pasta dish that is easy to transport. Recipe courtesy of La Cucina di Rita.

Buon Ferragosto!

Pasta Fredda alla Puttanesca

INGREDIENTS:

• 400 g of short pasta
• 400 g of cherry tomatoes
• 70 g of black olives
• a spoonful of oregano
• a spoonful of chopped capers
• salt, extra virgin olive oil