August 14

Italian Traditions & Culture Workshops: Ferragosto

Explore Italian holidays, traditions, food, and culture with Francesca. First workshop: Ferragosto!

Additional information

Discover Italy beyond the language through traditions, history, food, and culture with the expert guidance of Francesca.

Our Feste e Tradizioni Italiane workshop series explores the stories, customs, and regional traditions behind Italy’s most beloved celebrations and holidays. From ancient Roman roots to modern family traditions, each session offers a fun and engaging cultural experience designed for Italian language learners and lovers of Italian culture alike.

 

Each workshop includes:

  • cultural and historical insights
  • Italian vocabulary and expressions
  • conversation and discussion
  • traditions, food, and regional curiosities

Whether you are studying Italian, reconnecting with your heritage, or simply passionate about Italian culture, these workshops offer a unique and welcoming way to experience Italy throughout the year.

 

The upcoming workshop in the series is dedicated to Ferragosto – dall’Imperatore Ottaviano al significato Cristiano, alle grigliate.

In this special session, we will explore the fascinating evolution of Ferragosto, from its origins in ancient Rome under Emperor Augustus to its Christian significance and its role today as one of Italy’s most cherished summer celebrations. Along the way, participants will discover regional traditions, family customs, holiday foods, and the uniquely Italian way of celebrating the height of summer — from seaside vacations to festive gatherings and traditional grigliate.

This workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Italian culture while practicing the language in a fun, engaging, and welcoming environment.

Workshop Levels

This workshop is offered in two different levels:

  • Beginners – Friday 1:30 – 2:30 pm PT: perfect for students with basic Italian knowledge who would like a slower-paced cultural conversation class with guided vocabulary and support in English when needed

 

  • Intermedio and up – Friday 2:30 – 3:30 pm PT: designed for students comfortable communicating in Italian who would like deeper discussion, more advanced vocabulary, and greater immersion in the language.

 

Upcoming workshops:

  • Venerdì 30 ottobre 2026: Ognissanti e Morti – Tradizioni regionali e cibo tipico di questi giorni
  • Venerdì 11 dicembre 2026: Immacolata Concezione – Dal dogma di Pio IX ai preparativi per Natale
  • Venerdì 18 dicembre 2026: Natale e Capodanno – Tavole di ogni regione e mille tradizioni
  • Venerdì 8 gennaio 2027: Epifania – Dalla dea Diana alla nonnina sulla scopa più amata d’Italia
  • Venerdì 5 febbraio: Carnevale 
  • Venerdì 5 marzo 2027: Giornata internazionale della donna – breve storia dell’emancipazione femminile in Italia
  • Venerdì 19 marzo 2027: Festa del Papà – Papa Sisto, i falò e le frittelle
  • Venerdì 26 marzo 2027: Pasqua – Più uova e meno conigli
  • Venerdì 23 aprile 2027: Anniversario della Liberazione
  • Venerdì 30 aprile 2027: Festa dei Lavoratori
  • Venerdì 7 maggio 2027: Festa della mamma – Italiani mammoni già nell’antichità?
  • Venerdì 4 giugno 2027: Festa della Repubblica Italiana – La nascita della Repubblica, dal referendum alle Frecce Tricolore
For additional information, please contact us via email at:
REGISTER
REGISTER
PRICE
$50/pers
DURATION

One hour

HOURS
1:30 pm PT (Beginners) and 2:30 pm PT (Intermedio and up)
WHERE
on Zoom

Let our students speak for us!

Truly a gem of a school
Erin Yu
"SFIIS runs a fantastic org and program - truly a gem of a school. The staff are warm and wonderfully efficient. I've done both in-person and online classes, and plan to continue for as long as I can. They cover all levels of Italian proficiency, with an engaging mix of private lessons, themed classes (e.g. Italian for Travelers), and regular Term classes. If you can, I highly recommend going in person for at least some lessons - they have a wonderful office in sunny North Beach."
Cannot recommend this online foreign language program for toddlers enough!
Andrea DiSandro
"First and foremost, let me sing praises for the incredible teacher, Francesca. She possesses a remarkable talent for not only teaching but captivating young minds. Her ability to blend learning and play seamlessly is nothing short of amazing. [...] What's truly heartwarming is witnessing my daughter's enthusiasm for her weekly class. [...] As a family that values multilingualism, I can confidently say that this virtual program stands head and shoulders above the rest. [...] I am beyond impressed and immensely grateful for the positive impact this program has had on our family. If you're seeking a top-tier virtual language learning experience for your little one, look no further. This program is truly amazing, and I wholeheartedly endorse it to any parent seeking to enrich their child's linguistic abilities.
Beginners 1 experience
Jeffrey Jordan
"I just completed my first course with Istituto Italiano Scuola and was quite impressed. It was both rigorous and fun in balance, inspiring me to learn and take my Italian further than ever before. I'll be back for the next level course."
IL MIO POSTO FELICE!!!!
Leslie Hughes
“What I like most about participating in a literature class with the Istituto is having classmates with whom to discuss our books. I like hearing their opinions and responding to them. Reading is a great pleasure of mine, but sharing a book makes reading an adventure. With a teacher guiding us we improve our language skills and become more self-confident expressing ourselves. I’m grateful for the opportunity!”
The best way to maintain and improve my language skills
Dennis Abbe
“I have been taking classes at the SFIIS for years because, short of a long stay in Italy, it is the best way to maintain and improve my language skills. But more than that, I enjoy being with the other students and my instructor(s), many of whom are now good friends. In my class we read classic and contemporary Italian literature, and our instructor keeps us up to date on Italian culture and even politics. The experience on Zoom is almost as good as the in-person classes; Barbara is amazing in her use of the tools to run a lively, efficient, and fun class.”
I've made life-long friends through SFIIS classes
Dede Heitman
“The SFIIS school offers the best, well rounded Italian languages classes in the Bay Area. With native speakers as teachers, the classes provide a comprehensive, natural and fun way of learning. Everyone feels welcome, no matter the level. The teachers are encouraging, entertaining and enthusiastic about their language and culture. As a bonus, I've made life-long friends through SFIIS classes. Please join our Italian language learning community!”
An authentic learning experience
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