Mid-August in Oltrepò Pavese

Mid-August is a festivity that has pagan origins and initially fell on the 1st of August. But in the eighteenth century B.C. emperor Augustus decided to dedicate the whole month to rest and the celebrations of divinity, thus establishing the feriae augusti, or "Augustus' rest". On one of these occasions, including the celebration, on the 13th, of the goddess Diana, one of the most important deities, nobles and plebeians gathered to celebrate.
This anniversary, in the seventh century, was absorbed by the Catholic Church when the Assumption of the Virgin Mary began to be celebrated, establishing the 15th of the month as a feast day.

The day of the Assumption is the summer festival, where we dedicate ourselves to family and fun, accompanied by the good cuisine of Oltrepò. Many spend the day at the sea or in mountains, between walks, picnics and packed lunches, while those who can't, are satisfied with a park or a garden at home. The latter often host barbecues made by groups of friends or families, who take advantage of a hot summer day to be in company and enjoy chops, sausages and skewers, accompanied by refreshing drinks. The little ones are those who do not give weight to what they eat, but enjoy the outdoors.
On this occasion we take advantage of the company to make new friends with guests in the family or why not get to know our "barbeque neighbors". Often, music is the background to chatter, jokes and games, which helps to make the atmosphere around us more cheerful and carefree.

Aside from those who prefer an escape into nature, there are those who prefer to spend mid-August visiting villages and cities, where some historical representations of the ancient holidays are put on display, taking them back in time and involving visitors. The events organized by the towns and the Pro Loco of Oltrepò and, in the late evening, the fireworks that illuminate the sky, dyeing it with colors, attract above all the children, who remain bewitched and amazed, emotions that even the adults do not let them slip away.