The origin of the Ottobrata Romana can be dated back to ancient Rome and the Bacchanalia celebrations that observed the changing of the seasons. It eventually evolved into Ottobrata Romana as the nobility of the region deemed it necessary to completely and utterly celebrate the fall harvest along with the beautiful weather. Like traditional Italians, the fine dining Orlando experts at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano likes to celebrate and acknowledge the celebrations and seasonal dishes that come with each passing month.
During the Ottobrata Romana, the daytime outings typically occurred on Thursdays or Sundays and those who were of the appropriate social status were welcome to participate. The participants outdid themselves by dressing in their finest apparel and jewels. Women were dressed to impress with feathers and flowers, and the men were not far behind. These excursions began early in the day, and the nobility traveled out to the vineyards and orchards in grand style. Their carriages were elaborately decorated, drawn by horses that were immaculately groomed and adorned. It is rumored that the lines between peasants, farmers, and nobility were less rigid during Ottobrata Romana.
There was music, dancing, games, and revelry. Bocce was popularized as a lawn bowling game, swings and the game of Ruzzola were in great demand as well. Dancing to castanets, drums, and guitars were the order of the day as many a young noble tried to earn the eye of a single young lady. The celebration was topped off with rivers of wine and large meals, featuring gnocchi, mushrooms, tripe, and lamb.
By all accounts, the Ottobrata Romana is similar to the great picnics and lawn parties experienced in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. The popularity of the Ottobrata Romana survived the rigors of the Papal State but withered away shortly thereafter in the early 1900s.
Today, Ottobrata Romana is considered more of a state of mind than an actual celebration; although, in recent years there has been resurgence in the interest of preserving its cultural and historical importance in Italian history. Music and arts festivals, culinary fairs, and game contests are being offered to the public during the month of October in an effort to rekindle the spirit of Ottobrata Romana.
You can capture some of the delectable tastes of Ottobrata Romana by making a reservation at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano to savor some of Italy’s finest wines and exquisite Northern Italian fare. Come join us for a true Orlando fine dining experience. Have you ever heard of the Ottobrata Romana? How would you celebrate this fascinating holiday?