Signora Sheila

Autumn in Italy is a wonderful season! Mostly warm and balmy – almost warm enough for sunbathing through the first part of November. It’s known as Italy’s Roman Summer, similar to the Indian Summer we used to enjoy back in the USA. 

But since the early 1900s, Roman summer has been the season for special harvest festivals! These festivals, called Ottrobate Romane, were held at agriturismi in the Roman countryside. Just in time to celebrate the annual grape harvest!

Early on Sunday morning, families would pile into horse-drawn carts. Off to the countryside to celebrate the harvest! Roman Octobers were known for their beautiful weather, which drew people to the outdoors. It was time to celebrate the end of the grape harvest!

Grape harvest celebrations!

Feasts of gnocchi, chicken, tripe, and mutton which innkeepers began to prepare before dawn. All ready to be washed down with last year’s wine. After all, that was the reason for the Roman October feasts. Where would they put the new wine if they didn’t drink up the old stuff first?

And the Italians, who always love to celebrate, thought this was the perfect excuse! So they spent the day eating and drinking. And playing games like bocce, tumble and roll, and climbing a greased pole. But of course no celebration would be complete without singing, dancing, and storytelling.

The Roman October tradition has largely died off

But you can still find agriturismi around Rome. that hold Roman October feasts. So if you’re ever in the Rome area during the balmy days of October, be sure to look for one! All of Italy’s wine-growing areas all hold harvest festivals. Always with delicious food and of course fine wine!

But in the Rome area, head out into the Roman countryside to towns like Colli Albani, Castelli Romani, Rocca di Papa, and Frascati. Or Castel Gandolfo (which we found quite charming). You’ll be glad you did!

But be careful! Because Ottrobata romana” (What a pleasant Roman October!) — they are probably mean the fantastic autumn weather! After all, who doesn’t like 81°F (27°C) in October or even November?

But watch out! Roman October can refer to either a food festival, or the warm fall weather. After all, who wouldn’t like 81°F (27°C) in October or even November?

📷 Image credits: roman countryside; roman dance; cart