Pranzo di Ferragosto

August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, is a national holiday in Italy. Like many other Christian celebrations, it is built upon the crumbled foundation of ancient traditions.

In modern times, Ferragosto is the jumping off day for Italians to escape stifling apartments and head for holiday al mare or in montagna—the sea or the mountains.

August is the worst time for foreigners to explore Italian cities because mostly they’ll encounter overheated, testy tourists like themselves. The living spirit of the cities has been drained out like the color from a faded photograph.

But what happens to those Italians left behind on Ferragosto? One such scenario is brilliantly portrayed in the 2008 film Pranzo di Ferragosto released in the U.S. as Mid-August Lunch.

 Gianni di Gregorio, who co-wrote the script and directs, stars as the soulful Gianni who lives in the heart of Rome with his 93-year-old mother, exquisitely played by Valeria De Franciscis. The bags beneath Gianni’s eyes are silent odes to resignation.

But, don’t count him out. Gianni can simultaneously rock a cigarette, wine glass, and skillet with a flair akin to Rossini composing an aria. I dare you to watch this movie and not want to be included at Gianni’s table.

The film captured plenty of festival awards including Best First Film at Venice Film Festival. It’s available on Netflix or Amazon.

Buon Ferragosto!