Ferragosto in Abruzzo: 15th August tradition based on arrosticini and sangria 🍷

Ferragosto is a public holiday celebrated on 15 August in all of Italy. The modern Italian name of the holiday comes from the Latin name: Feriae Augusti (“Festivals [Holidays] of the Emperor Augustus”). These were introduced by the emperor Augustus in 18 BCE. This was an addition to earlier ancient Roman festivals which fell in the same month, such as the Vinalia rustica or the Consualia, which celebrated the harvest and the end of a long period of intense agricultural labour.

The Italian tradition of taking a trip during Ferragosto arose under the fascist regime and it is still very popular. The usual “grigliata di ferragosto” (Ferragosto barbecue) in Abruzzo is made with arrosticini, typically made from sheep meat, or lamb, cut in chunks and pierced by a skewer.

Sangria has also become a Ferragosto tradition, it is fresh and thirst-quenching, with seasonal fruit, and you can enjoy it with meals or any moment of this special festive day.

Sangria recipe : https://minimalistbaker.com/easy-traditional-red-sangria/. The history of arrosticini: http://www.arrosticinoitaliano.com/the-history-of-arrosticini/

“Alla Madonna di agosto si rinfresca il bosco”