Page 7 - Italian American Herald - August 2021

ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERALD
FROM THE COVER
AUGUST 2021 | ITALIANAMERICANHERALD.COM 7
period, making it an integral part of the memory of each generation. Songs and films have been made recounting the feelings and experiences, summer loves and Ferragosto parties. For all Italians, from the 1960s
to today, Ferragosto remains a collective memory like studying Dante at school and Italy winning a World Cup. (Note: This year Italians across the world are joyfully celebrat- ing Italy’s win of the World Cup. They last won in 2006.)
Many businesses and shops in Italy are closed on Aug.15, although on the coast and near major tourist sites shops are more likely to be open. Most museums and tourist sites are open on Aug. 15. In local neighbor- hoods residents need to plan as some local businesses may shut down for up to two weeks. Many major cities are less bustling as Italians head to the beach for Ferragosto, so the coast and coastal roads are usually very crowded as are the roads to the mountains. Trains and planes are also crammed full as Italians escape the hot cities for relaxation and fun.
While the Palio di Siena is a major event in August, other notable festivities are Rome's Gran Ballo di Ferragosto that fills Rome's squares with live dance performances. There's a different type of dance in each square.
A sea of umbrellas dot much of Italy's coastline as Italians enjoy Ferragosto.
Diano Marina in Liguria holds a festival of the sea with a wonderful fireworks display. In Tuscany, Montepulciano holds a historical pageant and games. Cappelle sul Tavo, near Pescara on the Abruzzo coast, celebrates with the Palio of the Pupe, huge effigies paraded through the streets at night. During the procession, they eventually explode with fireworks. Sassari in Sardinia holds the Festa dei Candelieri that dates to the 16th century. During this celebration teams of men race bearing huge and very heavy candles.
In Sicily, the seaside city of Messina
holds the “Vara di Messina,” one of the
most notable celebrations on the island. A monumental votive structure approximately 49 feet high weighing 8 tons is pulled through the streets of Messina by about 1,200 people dressed in white and in bare feet. On top is the Madonna and baby Jesus as well
as three angels. The streets are hosed down to facilitate moving the Vara. The evening finishes with an explosion of fireworks set off against the backdrop of the Madonnina of the
port of Messina.
Celebrations abound across the country
in even the smaller towns and the excitement is intense as Italians prepare for these very special events and the vacations they wait for all year long. IAH
Note: While many Italians will still be heading out on vacation, many events may not be fully celebrated and there could be some restrictions on travel as Italy’s government tries to avoid a surge in COVID cases.
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