Ferragosto is an Italian holiday celebrated on August 15 and coincides with the major Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary. For many Italians, it is their summer vacation period and a time when many places of business also close their doors for vacation.
The Feriae Augusti, from which Ferragosto takes its name, comes from the “Festivals or Holiday of the Emperor Augustus” which was introduced in 18 BC. The Feriae Augusti linked the various August festivals to provide a longer period of rest, called Augustali, which was felt necessary after the hard labour of the previous summer weeks.
Crowds flock to Cortona for this holiday, as they can enjoy live bands in the piazzas, various exhibits, and most of all, the Sagra della Bistecca held in the public gardens. This year numbers 57.
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Large open grills, built for the occasion, become the center of attraction in the public gardens. Those tending to the grills are seasoned veterans, and know just when to turn the bistecca. Seared on the outside, very rare in the middle.
©Blogginginitaly.com
©Blogginginitaly.com
For 28 euro, you get a bistecca, potatoes, choice of beans or tomatoes, a peach, and some vino.
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Family and friends come together at long canopied tables to celebrate the holiday and share stories and laughter.
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Like every festival, there is music, even if just one man and his many accouterments.
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After dinner, many walk through town to marvel at the ancient city’s beauty.
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©Blogginginitaly.com
And if your family is like mine, and a peach doesn’t quite qualify as dessert, it’s time for gelato.
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Even the weather contributed to the weekend’s success – bright blue skies, hot sun, and low humidity.
If you are thinking of Italy next summer, remember Cortona and Ferragosto.
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And if rare bistecca isn’t your thing, coming next weekend: the porcini festival!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Looks like fun and made me feel so nostalgic for our wonderful visit!
Love and miss you!!
Alexis Colianni amcolianni@gmail.com phone: 630.779.0612
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You are welcome back anytime! Love and miss you too!
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Thank gawd we’re not there yet!
Sent from my iPad
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There would be tons for you to pick up:) Actually, the clean up went very well. You’d be impressed.
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Oh Judy! We’d love to be there in August but Larry and Carrol have our little cottage right now. Give them a hug for us!
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Will do – love being with them again!
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I’m not much on rare bistecca, but I must say that I really like the look of those huge grills!
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Feel the same and in fact, after strolling the park, had salmon and polpo for cena!
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The size of the barbecue was very impressive
I am sure the tasting was worth the waiting
Thank you
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Truth be told, I am not much of a beef eater, especially rare/nearly raw, but enjoyed watching all those who love their bistecca!
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Can’t wait to meet you and Len, and our time there!
Love the poster:)
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