feste

Feste may refer to multiple senses in different languages and contexts.

In Italian, feste is the plural of festa, meaning holidays or festivals. The term is used for religious and secular celebrations, including public holidays, fairs, and saints’ feast days. Feste can also indicate festive periods or community gatherings, such as le feste di paese. The word derives from Latin festum, through the development of Italian.

In English-language literature, Feste is the name of the fool in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (c. 1601–1602). As Olivia's court jester, Feste performs songs and witty verse, delivering commentary on other characters and on the plot’s events. His humor often masks a shrewd critique of social behavior, and his musical interludes help shape the play’s festive atmosphere while subtly undercutting it.

In some contexts, Feste can appear as a surname or as part of proper names for events or institutions in Italian-speaking regions. When translating, feste is commonly rendered as feasts or festivals, depending on context.

Historically, the concept of feste encompasses religious processions, secular fairs, and community celebrations across Europe, reflecting a long-running human tradition of gathering for shared moments of joy, ritual, or remembrance.