A Focus on culture

Italy

Another traditional Italian holiday is Liberation Day, La festa della liberazione On this day the country commemorates the end of the Fascist and Nazi regime during World War II. It also commemorates the Resistance in Italy in 1945 Those who fought and died for the cause are remembered

Each year on August 15 the Catholic holiday marking the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven upon her death occurs This is known as Ferragosto Most Italians have the week off work and in cities most things close for the day Many families go away for the week choosing to spend time by the coast or in the Italian Alps.

In addition to national holidays many cities also have their own particular local feast day or patron saint holiday. There are also local festivities and traditions for the changing of the seasons, local foods and historical tournaments. Most families also celebrate their own unique traditions.

By Hope Fitzmaurice, 5th Year Rang Cillian.