Assumption Day in Italy
When is Assumption in Italy?
Assumption in Italy is on August 15, 2024. It falls on Thursday.
How many days until Assumption in Italy?
There are 111 Days left until Assumption in Italy.
Is Assumption a public holiday in Italy?
Assumption Day (locally called Ferragosto or Assunzione) is a public holiday in Italy to honor Jesus’ mother, Mary. Assumption Day marks the day when Mary ascended to heaven. Such belief holds a high significance to the Christian faith, particularly the Roman Catholic faith.
Origin of Assumption Day
The word “assumption” originates from a Middle English word “assumpcioun” which literally means “taking up into heaven”. In Latin, the word “assumptio” is equivalent to the word “taking”. Those terminologies explain as to why the holiday is named as Assumption (short for Assumption of Mary into Heaven). This is the roots of the Christian belief when Mary (Jesus’ mother) was bodily taken into heaven. Many churches (like Catholic Church, Anglo-Catholic Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches, among many others) share the same believe hence the celebration for the Assumption is not just within Catholic churches.
Assumption Day Activities and Events in Italy
Since Italy is predominantly a Christian population, many customs and traditions are observed during Assumption Day. Italy holds festivals, food fairs, and to some parts of the country, the local communities even organize fireworks display for the public.
Ferragosto
Ferragosto, an Italian holiday that is celebrated in the same day, marks August 15th as a national holiday in Italy. Although the origin of Ferragosto and the Assumption might be different, both are observed on August 15th. For Ferragosto, this public holiday roots back from the festival that was introduced by emperor Caesar Augustus (the first Roman emperor) called Feriae Augusti. Feriae Augusti was an ancient Roman festival which give the people in agricultural sector a rest as a way of acknowledging their contribution and hard work. At the time, some workers get a monetary bonus from their employers. Although the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Ferragosto have different origins as to why they are celebrated, both observances hold its own significance to the history of the country, be it in a political or religious aspect.
Holy Day of Obligation
Attending church service and participating in a procession on August 15th has become customary to some Italians in celebrating the Assumption. Some parts of the country organize a procession where the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried around throughout the neighborhood, accompanied by prayers and music. This event is observed not just in Italy but also in many countries in fact, for the Catholic Churches, the Assumption of Mary is marked as a Holy Day of Obligation. Holy Day of Obligation refers to a feast wherein Roman Catholics are obliged to attend mass.
Gran Ballo di Ferragosto
The Gran Ballo di Ferragosto is city-wide party in Rome which has become popular for its amazing fireworks, live dancing events in the streets and squares, among many others. Many Italians participate in this event by going into the squares and dressing up according to the theme.
Palio dell'Assunta
Another main event to look out for is the Palio di Siena, a horse racing event that occurs twice in a year, one in July and the other in August. On the horse racing that takes place on the 16th of August, it is named as Palio dell’Assunta to honor the Assumption of Mary, which is celebrated the day before the event. In Italy, Palio refers to a yearly athletic contest which is usually characterized by people fighting/racing in costume; while Siena refers to the city in Tuscany, Italy where the event is held, hence the name Palio di Siena.
Going to the Beach
On this day, beaches are usually a popular destination for many Italians in fact, most coasts are filled with people and vendors. August is usually sunny hence many Italians go to the beach for relaxation. For Italians who like a more festive experience, taking part in some festivities like the ones in Rome is a great place to go.
Other popular activities
Some Italians prefer to spend this day relaxing with family and friends. Some people visit museums, host a family fathering, picnics, among many others. On this day, many establishments and institutions are closed, though few businesses remain open such as souvenir shops and some museums.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 15 | Thursday | Assumption |
| 2025 | August 15 | Friday | Assumption |
| 2026 | August 15 | Saturday | Assumption |
| 2027 | August 15 | Sunday | Assumption |
| 2028 | August 15 | Tuesday | Assumption |
| 2029 | August 15 | Wednesday | Assumption |
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Labour Day | May 01, 2024 |
| Mother's Day | May 12, 2024 |
| Republic Day | June 02, 2024 |
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