Ferra-what? Ferragosto!

Ferragosto is an Italian holiday celebrated on August 15th of every year. Basically, it's a celebration of the middle of the summer and the end of hard labor in the fields from picking tomatoes, fruits and tobacco. Religiously, it is to commemorate the Virgin Mary. This day is spent with family eating away and going on vacation. Typically, Italians take from one week to the whole month of August off around Ferragosto. If you decide to come to Italy during this time, you will find that many stores, bars and restaurants completely close to go on holiday. Great for them, not so great for those not on holiday and needing those places. =)

Personally, I don't mind planning my holidays around Ferragosto to avoid inflated prices and traffic. However, for Italians, this is the perfect time to get away to avoid losing any major business and to escape to the mountains or beaches for some nice cool air. It's a great idea but definitely not something I am used to in the states. Can you imagine a store closing for a month? We have been meaning to re-do our kitchen bar area and now that we decide to move forward with it we can't because there are no local hardware stores open to help us! Yay or Nay on Ferragosto? Good for those who finally can take a vacation, bad for those who want to still be productive. Another reminder from good old Italy to just forget about it and enjoy life. =)