Rome: Gran Ballo di Ferragosto, 15 August 2009
Ferragosto, together with the longed for summer holidays, is coming! Those who are not lucky enough to travel to some exotic locality, or simply to relax at the seaside or in the mountains, and have to stay in the city, will have the possibility to spend a cheerful and carefree day thanks to the number of events that take place in Italian cities to celebrate the event.
Some of the most beautiful squares in Rome,
in particular, will host an event that was first held in 2002 and that has already become an unmissable event of summer in Rome: the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto. If you think that in August the city gets empty and boring, travel to Rome at Ferragosto and you will change your mind: thousands of visitors, both tourists and Roman citizens who have not left, will colour the city dancing and having fun. The Gran Ballo di Ferragosto, indeed, is an event that involves the whole city, from the centre to the suburbs, bringing music and cheerfulness all over Rome: some stages are set up in various squares all around the eternal city to host the performances of professional dancers that always amaze and involve the audience. It is difficult to be indifferent to the music that spreads in the city, and people always begin to dance while attending these performances. The success of the event is also given by the variety of music genres that are played in the squares, which give everybody the possibility to dance and listen to their favourite music. Those who have a passion for couple dancing, tango, smooth dance etc., will choose the squares where these genres will be played, while those who would like to dance in a unique open-air discotheque will choose those locations where dance, disco and 70s music will play a main role. Or maybe are you a hip hop or Latin – American music addicted? No problem, you will certainly find the ideal square for you!
A unique chance to release your energy dancing in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, in locations that will certainly add a magic feature to the event. Events are all free (what are you waiting for? Book a cheap hotel in Rome and travel to the eternal city!), apart from the traditional concert held in Marcello Theatre, with Hiroshi Takasu at the piano and the music by Thalberg, Liszt and Fumagalli.
If this summer you are planning to stay in a youth hostel in Rome, the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto is the best way to take part in an ancient and typical Italian celebration, which was officially established in 18 B.C. by Emperor Octavius, after his investiture as Augustus (hence the term “Ferragosto”, i.e. “Feriae Augusti”, holidays of the Emperor Augustus). Nowadays Ferragosto also corresponds to a Catholic feast, the Holy Day of Obligation to commemorate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but its origin is pagan, and dates back even before the official establishment of the feast by Augustus. August has always been the month of rest and celebrations, and the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto is the logic and interesting evolution of ancient celebrations.
Tickets: free event. Concert at Marcello Theatre: 18 euro
Date: 15 August 2009
Location: various squares, Rome, Italy
