It’s a day of unseasonably warm and dry weather happening in autumn in Italy.  You probably experience the same phenomenon in your home country with the name of Indian summer, or gipsy summer, or Veranillo, or Altweibersommer, or vénasszonyok nyara, or бабье лето, or Nachsommer.

Why this name in Italy

Italy has a Roman Catholic culture and back in time people thought that this weather event was a miracle sent from heaven to celebrate the Christian bishop Saint Martin of Tours. According to the legend, at the time he was a soldier in the Roman army stationed in Amiens, he met a poorly dressed beggar who was cold. He cut his military cloak to share it with the man. Then he met another cold beggar and did the same, so he remained without the cloak. God gave him a sunny day to reward his kindness.

What to do in Italy on Estate di San Martino

This event is mainly celebrated in the countryside villages in Italy. It’s a great occasion for tasting new wine and chestnuts. In many towns, locals organize autumn parties and each community has its own traditions.

Each city or village in Italy has an official tourist office that could tell you what to do on San Martino. Get in contact with them and ask for events. In Italian, look for the IAT office.