Celebrate Ferragosto 2024: A Guide to Events Across Italy for Expats

by Adriana ruiz

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Whether you’re a local or an expat, Ferragosto offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and traditions. From museum tours and open-air concerts to seaside festivals and religious processions, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the top events in cities with vibrant expat communities—perfect for those looking to join in the festivities.

 

Turin

Special Offers and Events at Various Museums

Palazzo Madama, GAM, and MAO

∙ Special Rates and Guided Tours: On August 15th, these museums are offering special rates and guided tours for just €6. To book, email [email protected] or call 0115211788.

National Cinema Museum

∙ Extended Hours and Discounted Tickets: The museum will be open from 9 AM to 9 PM with reduced ticket prices.

∙ Guided Tours: From 11 AM to 3 PM, guided tours will be available for an additional fee of €6.

Free Admission

Several other museums will offer free admission on August 15th, including:
∙ Camera: Free admission to the “Futures 2023” exhibition.
∙ Museo Pietro Micca
∙ Museo della Frutta
∙ Museo della Radio
∙ Gallerie d’Italia
∙ Musei Lombroso e di Anatomia
∙ Museo Diffuso della Resistenza

* Guided tours will be conducted in Italian.

Milan

Grand Mid-Summer Ball

On Ferragosto evening at 9 PM, dance the night away at the illuminated Sforza Castle to classic and popular Italian music, featuring genres like liscio, fox trot, polka, and waltz.

∙ Paid Admission: €12
∙ Tickets available on Mailticket and Dice
∙ Info: [email protected] or 0236798120

Free Exhibition: Valerio Adami – Pittore di Idee

Valerio Adami’s large-format paintings, often associated with the “pop” genre, use sophisticated visual metaphors to encapsulate philosophical, literary, and mythological concepts.

∙ Palazzo Reale: Free admission, no reservations required, until 10:30 PM

Visit the Exhibition: “Philippe Halsman. Lampo di genio.”

This exhibition features over 100 photographs by legendary photographer Philippe Halsman, showcasing his iconic “jumpology” series and portraits of famous figures.

∙ Palazzo Reale: Paid admission: €17, until 10:30 PM

Obey – The Art of Shepard Fairey

Explore the evolution of street artist Shepard Fairey, known for his “HOPE” poster featuring Barack Obama, at the Fabbrica del Vapore.

∙ Paid Admission: €16, until 10:00 PM

Outdoor Cinema

Catch a movie at one of the many summer arenas spread throughout the city.

For program details, visit:
∙ Spaziocinema
∙ Mare Milano    
∙ Centro Asteria      
∙ Cinema Muto     

Genoa

“Ferragustando”: The Shared Feast in the Historic Center

“Ferragustando” is a social lunch featuring a single, shared table extending from Piazza Ferretto to Piazza San Bernardo, where people gather to savor local specialties.

∙ Paid Admission: €20 (€10 for children and seniors)
∙ Menus for those with dietary restrictions are available upon reservation at U Gelato Du Caruggiu.
∙ Event starts at 12:30 PM

Sunset Aperitivo with a View

Book an aperitif at Castello D’Albertis to enjoy the sunset over the city.

∙ Castello D’Albertis, Bonton Bistrot: From 6 PM
∙ For reservations: 391 7610087

Bologna

Ferragosto at Serre

A yearly summer tradition, Ferragosto at the Serre dei Giardini Margherita offers relaxing vibes and vinyl tunes. Enjoy a DJ set by Thomas Les Vaches & Red Chocolate (Mint Sound).

∙ Location: Via Castiglione 134 and Viale Stenio Polischi 9. Access is on foot or by bicycle.
∙ Free Admission: From 5 PM to 11:30 PM

Vacanze a Riccione

Enjoy a seaside comedy in the Courtyard of Honor at Palazzo d’Accursio, part of the Favolosissima – Burattini a Bologna event series.

∙ Paid Admission: €7
∙ Event starts at 8:30 PM

Florence

Florence on the Beach!

Celebrate Ferragosto at Villa Vittoria with a beach party. The dress code is casual, but not too casual. Expect a surprise dinner and a special beach-themed atmosphere.

∙ For Information and Reservations: Call +39 347 7077014 or email [email protected]

Ferragosto at Instabile with “Criminal Mambo”

Enjoy a DJ set by Criminal Mambo at Instabile’s summer space, with cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of organic wines.

∙ Via della Funga 27: Free admission, from 7:30 PM

Free Admission to the Forte di Belvedere

Visit this historic and scenic spot for panoramic views of Florence.

∙ Forte di Belvedere: Free admission until 8:00 PM

Free Admission to the Santa Maria Novella Complex

Explore this iconic landmark, which includes a basilica, convent, and more.

∙ Basilica di Santa Maria Novella: Free admission from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Rome

Acrobatic Show at Ostia Antica

“Soul of Nature” by Street Theater Artemakia is an acrobatic fairytale addressing environmental issues through a blend of wonder, poetry, and acrobatics.

∙ Location: Borgo di Ostia Antica, Piazza della Rocca
∙ For information and reservations: [email protected]
∙ Event starts at 9:00 PM

Daniele Corvasce Gypsy Trio + Marjolein – Gypsy Mini Fest

This event is dedicated to Django Reinhardt, featuring a tribute concert and a lively evening at Villa Celimontana.

∙ Location: Villa Celimontana, Via della Navicella 12
∙ Free Admission: Concert starts at 10:00 PM

Concerti del Tempietto

The evening begins at 6:30 PM with a piano concert by Sofya Erukhimova, showcasing the works of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, and Balakirev. Following the concert, attendees can join a guided tour of the archaeological park surrounding the Teatro di Marcello at 7:45 PM, available in both Italian and English. The night concludes with an 8:30 PM piano concert by Emanuele Frenzilli, featuring compositions by Schubert, Brahms, Chopin, Scriabin, and Liszt.

∙ Location: Chiostro di Campitelli al Teatro di Marcello, Piazza Campitelli, 9
∙ Paid Admission: From €15.50 for the entire event, starting at 6:30 PM. Get your tickets here.

Tiberis 2024

Celebrate Ferragosto with live music, water games, and more at Tiberis, a park overlooking the Tiber River. The highlight of the evening will be a live performance by Jazzindahouse at 9:00 p.m., featuring a trio with a DJ set, percussion, and sax. The music blends house, nu-jazz, Brazilian chill-out, and jazzhouse, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere along the Tiber.

∙ Location: Lungotevere Dante, 1
∙ Free Admission: Open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
∙ For information and reservations call 06 5654 6254 or email [email protected]

Along the Tiber… Rome 2024

Experience history, culture, and leisure along the banks of the Tiber, with a special performance with music, watermelon, and sangria in a stunning setting.

∙ Location: Salotto Tevere, under Ponte Cestio
∙ Free Admission: The performance starts at 9:30 PM

Naples

Concert and Free Breakfast at Dawn

Start the day with a concert on the panoramic terrace of Sant’Antonio a Posillipo, featuring a string quartet and a tribute to Astor Piazzolla. The concert concludes with a breakfast of coffee and hot croissants.

∙ Departure points: Piazza Municipio and Parcheggio Brin
∙ Free Admission: Starts at 5:00 AM
∙ Booking on Eventbrite

Free Sailing Tour

For the “Naples at Sunset” itinerary, you will set sail on two rubber boats to admire the Posillipo hill and the Gulf of Naples, passing by Castel dell’Ovo, Lungomare Caracciolo, Mergellina, Palazzo Donn’Anna, Villa Lauro, Villa Volpicelli, Villa Rosebery, Rocce Verdi, Marechiaro, Nisida, Gaiola, and Punta Cavallo.

∙ Meeting Point: Via Partenope, in front of Hotel Vesuvio
∙ Booking on Eventbrite
∙ Tour starts at 5:00 PM

Celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The day concludes with an event hosted by the Patronal Festivals: the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary at the Royal Pontifical Basilica of San Giacomo degli Spagnoli, Piazza Municipio 27. At 8:30 PM, a sacred music concert will be performed by the Suaviternova Choir, directed by Maestro Pietro Biancardi.

∙ Location: Piazza Municipio 27
∙ Admission: Free until full capacity is reached
∙ Time: 8:00 PM

Sicily

La Vara dell’Assunta Procession in Messina

La Vara dell’Assunta is a spectacular and deeply rooted religious event held annually in Messina. This event celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is one of Italy’s most significant folkloric-religious traditions.

The highlight of the celebration is the Vara, a colossal pyramidal structure symbolizing the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Originally built in the 16th century, it is adorned with statues representing various religious figures, including angels and Jesus Christ holding the Virgin Mary.

Thousands of devotees, dressed in white, participate in dragging the Vara through the streets, creating a powerful and moving spectacle. The event concludes with a blessing at the Cathedral and a Mass, followed by the distribution of pieces of the ropes used to pull the Vara among the faithful.

If you plan to attend, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this historic celebration.

∙ Procession start time: 6:30 PM
∙ Route: Beginning at Piazza Castronovo, proceeding along Via Garibaldi to the Cathedral Square (Piazza Duomo)

Siracusa’s Festa del Mare and Regata dell’Assunta

Festa del Mare e Regata dell’Assunta is a cherished event in Siracusa that celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, blending religious devotion with maritime tradition.

The heart of the celebration is the regatta, a boat race showcasing the skill and spirit of local rowers. The competition is fierce, and the atmosphere along the shoreline is electric with excitement.

Beyond the regatta, the Festa del Mare offers a variety of activities and events, including:

∙ Religious processions: Honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with colorful displays and traditional hymns.
∙ Live music and entertainment: Creating a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
∙ Food stalls: Offering delicious local cuisine and delicacies.
∙ Fireworks: A dazzling display illuminating the night sky.

Schedule:

∙ 7:00 PM: The revered statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assunta will be taken out from the Church of San Filippo Apostolo. The procession will follow this route: Piazza San Filippo, Via del Crocefisso, Via Roma, Piazza Minerva, Piazza Duomo, Via Saverio Landolina, Via Amalfitania, Via Ruggero Settimo, and Largo Porta Marina.
∙ 8:00 PM: The maritime procession begins within the waters of Porto Grande di Siracusa, including a traditional blessing of the sea and a prayer for those who have perished at sea, followed by a fireworks display by “Fiori di Fuoco” from Macchia di Giarre (CT).
∙ 9:00 PM: The boat will return to Porto Grande di Siracusa, followed by a procession through the streets: Largo Porta Marina, Via Savoja, Largo XXV Luglio, Corso Giacomo Matteotti, Piazza Archimede, Via Maestranza, Via della Giudecca, and Piazza San Filippo.

If you plan to attend, be sure to arrive early to fully experience the procession and the stunning fireworks display.

 

With such a diverse array of events happening across Italy, Ferragosto 2024 promises something for everyone to enjoy. As an expat, this is the perfect time to connect with the local culture, meet new people, and celebrate one of Italy’s most cherished holidays.

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