What to do in Ferragosto: 5 events in Italy

Is it your first Ferragosto in Italy and you don’t know what to do to celebrate it? We take you to discover the best events for Ferragosto 2025, including tradition, music and fireworks displays. Whether you’re in the city, by the sea or in the mountains, there are plenty of options on where to go on Ferragosto, in any region of Italy.

What is Ferragosto and how is it celebrated

Before we get into the events, you should know that Ferragosto is one of the most beloved holidays of Italians, and it has a very old tradition, dating all the way back to the Roman Empire. Before becoming a religious celebration (dedicated to the Assumption of Mary), in fact, Ferragosto was a way to celebrate the end of the harvests and the working season.

Today, Ferragosto has become the festival of summer, and the favorite way for Italians to celebrate it is definitely with outdoor events. The most classic custom is to organize barbecues in the garden or in some park together with friends. A nearby pool, lake or river cannot be missed, given the very high temperatures in August in Italy. Beach parties are also very popular, especially if accompanied by live music and fireworks.

Another popular tradition for those celebrating Ferragosto on the beach is to light a bonfire by the sea and spend the evening with friends around the fire.

Here are 5 ideas on what to do in Ferragosto 2025 and where to go on Ferragosto if you are in Italy:

The Palio of Siena (Tuscany)

If you like the idea of witnessing a centuries-old Italian tradition at Ferragosto, then don’t miss the famous Palio di Siena.

The Palio is a celebration held twice a year in the city of Siena, Tuscany. It is a great equestrian competition of medieval origins involving the contrade, that is, the seventeen historic districts of the city.

Each contrada, represented by a jockey and a horse, participates in the traditional race held in the Piazza del Campo.

The horse race takes place on August 16, but the celebrations last several days and involve the whole town.

The Vara of Messina (Sicily)

Still on the theme of ancient Italian traditions-this time religious ones-the procession of the Vara takes place in Messina on August 15. To celebrate the assumption of the Virgin Mary, the people of Messina build a votive wagon up to 14 meters high and weighing 8 tons, which is dragged by the faithful in a procession on August 15 itself.

It is an excellent opportunity to witness the magic of the folklore of Italian traditions up close.

Red Valley Festival in Olbia (Sardinia)

If you’re more interested in live music, Olbia is hosting a huge music festival, the Red Valley Festival, from August 13 to 16, featuring the hottest Italian and international artists of the moment. The concert takes place in theOlbia Arena, a spectacular location a stone’s throw from the sea.

Fireworks display in Rimini (Emilia Romagna)

Among the most characteristic events of the Ferragosto celebrations is the fireworks display at midnight. You can watch the fireworks in practically any city in Italy, but if you’re looking for a truly exciting show, then you’ll want to head to Rimini, Romagna. The event is free and the fireworks can be seen from all over the beach.

Other coastal resorts, such as Cattolica, Riccione and Cesenatico, also offer similar events. In southern Italy, we point out the spectacular fires in Positano, on the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Ferragosto in the City (Rome and Milan)

For the less fortunate who will have to spend Ferragosto in the city, Rome and Milan also offer various activities.

In Rome, the event not to be missed is the Lungo Tevere, which lasts throughout the summer. It is a summer event dedicated to the music, culture and gastronomy of Rome, and takes place in the very beautiful setting of the banks of the Tiber River, every day from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am.

In Milan, however, Ferragosto is celebrated with a picnic in Sempione Park, followed by the Midsummer Grand Ball at the Sforza Castle. The event opens at 8 p.m. with a classical music concert given by the Orchestrina di Molto Agevole.