Ferragosto – Italy in shut-down mode

Ferragosto, celebrated on the fifteenth of August, is an italian phenomenon. It celebrates the rise of Mary up to heaven to join her son Jesus, taking her place by his side to look after those of us remaining here on Earth. It is a day of great festivities with celebrations in the streets and prayers to the Virgin Mary for thanks and support.

As during the month of August, in almost every metropolitan area, temperatures peak and air quality plummets, cities become very hot and hazy places. It might be a pragmatic custom, sole succor to a cruel summer in town, that most Italians even take the entire month of August off, seeking cool, clean mountain retreats or the idle pleasures of a seaside respite. Nevertheless it is an excellent excuse to substitute an office- with a beach chair and suddenly tourists find themselves wandering in italian cities nearly void of Italians.

All of Italy shuts down to celebrate Ferragosto and this means that most of the country is literally in shut-down mode. Towns, cities, authorities and offices seem to be deserted. Thus August might not be the best month to make important business in Italy. So, if you are in Italy no matter if job-related, for business reasons or on vacation, better adapt and join in the festivities celebrating the Virgin Mary - it is the only thing that is going to be happening in most Italian cities anyway.