Le Ottobrate romane: History and Tradition. Come to Dilit to Discover Them!

*A name that smells of joy and chestnuts*

The famous "Roman ottobrata" doesn’t just refer to a season, but to a magical atmosphere, full of autumn colors and warmth. It’s that unique Roman autumn that’s unlike the autumn of any other city: clear, bright days, a sky that becomes bluer with each passing day, air that cools down without ever getting harsh... Exactly, a second summer... A Summer 2.0.

October in Rome is a month that invites you to enjoy the city to the fullest. Even our ancestors knew this well — back in the 18th and 19th centuries, they would organize day trips, folk festivals, and long countryside feasts surrounded by orange leaves and rustic dancing. Romans and visitors alike would head out together toward the Castelli, along the Appian Way, or to the sea, bringing with them the season’s new wine, lively music, and plenty of good food. This is where the “ottobrata” comes from: Sunday outings in honour of the god of wine and in memory of the ancient Roman Bacchanalia.

Some traveled on the traditional carriages of the time, the *“carettelle”*, pulled by two horses and carrying girls dressed in their finest clothes. Relatives and friends would follow on foot, amid music and chaos. Once they arrived *fuori porta* (outside the city gates), wine flowed freely and the traditional Roman dishes were served: gnocchi, tripe, and roast lamb (*abbacchio*). People played bocce, *ruzzola*, swung on swings or climbed the *albero della cuccagna* (a greased pole with prizes at the top), while music and dancing completed the festive atmosphere.

That ancient tradition survives today, though in a modern form: no more carriages and countryside dances, but cultural walks with friends, food and wine festivals and roasted chestnuts; a way to experience Rome that blends past and present.

Rome in Autumn: A City to Breathe In Deeply

For a student coming to Rome to study Italian, October is the perfect month: no more summer heat, and goodbye to the chaotic August crowds of tourists. The city seems to slow down, revealing its most genuine and pure self — Rome in October is like a face without makeup!

Walking through the Imperial Forum on a mild sunny day, eating a plate of truffle pasta in the backstreets of the city center, crossing Piazza Navona at sunset, or admiring the soft golden light embracing St. Peter’s Basilica — these are experiences you can enjoy at their best during this magical time of year. And why not go to Testaccio. This neighborhood, once considered on the outskirts, housed caves known as the *"wine catacombs"*, designed to preserve the real protagonist of the Roman *ottobrate* — the wine.

In the areas surrounding the capital, the hills and vineyards offer landscapes that look like they were painted by a Renaissance artist: in Frascati you can taste excellent white wines; in Marino, the grape festival is celebrated with parades and tastings; while in Tivoli the ancient villas are lit up by autumn colors. Just imagine how thrilling it would be! And only a few kilometers from the city, the sea at Ostia still welcomes those who love quiet walks on a deserted beach or along the breezy promenade — or why not among the ruins of ancient Ostia?

Dilit's Activities: Learning Italian While Living the City

At Dilit, learning a language isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. You'll get to “breathe in” the culture that the Italian language expresses, following the seasons and rhythms of life (sometimes slow, sometimes fast). And to help you experience all the aspects of the capital, every year we organize lots of activities that perfectly match the spirit of the *ottobrata romana*.

Guided walks are among our students’ favorite activities: from the baroque neighborhood of “Campo de’ Fiori” to the ruins of ancient Rome, from the workshops of “Trastevere” to the local street markets, from “Garbatella” to Roman street art... every walk becomes an opportunity to learn new words and experience the city as a true insider. Then there are the day trips to the countryside (in Italian we say Scampagnata!): discovering the “Castelli Romani”, tasting porchetta in Ariccia, or sipping a glass of Frascati wine in a cozy, traditional cellar.

There’s no shortage of social moments either, because language is learned especially when sharing a pizza or attending a school party. And here at Dilit, there will be many of them — all different — because students are always at the heart of the learning experience. In October... and all year round.

The Ottobrata as a Cultural and Personal Experience

Studying in Rome in October means diving into an experience that goes far beyond grammar. Let’s say it with a metaphor: it’s like going for a run through an autumn field full of red, yellow, brown, and orange leaves. Even more, it’s an encounter with the majestic and captivating beauty of Rome — but also with a way of life marked by slowness and conviviality.

The *ottobrata* becomes a metaphor for the study journey itself: a path filled with discoveries, joyful moments, and unexpected encounters... That's what makes us feel alive. Just as the ancient Romans once set off on long countryside walks with friends, Dilit students embark on a collective journey, where language is the red thread connecting experiences, people, and places.

Come Live Your Ottobrata With Us

If you’re thinking of coming to Rome to learn Italian, there’s no better time than... **NOW**.

Come and discover the Roman *ottobrate* with us: they won’t be just trips or soulless walks, but pages of a diary you’ll carry with you forever.

Rome — with its majestic history and lively present — is waiting for you with open arms.