Ferie in Italia

Ferragosto

August is the traditional month for Italians to go on vacation, leaving the cities and towns in droves for beach and mountain destinations. The vacation season peaks in the middle of the month on the 15th with Ferragosto, the major summer holiday for Italy. This day is based on an ancient Roman festival and the Catholic holiday Assunzione S. Vergine, or the ascent of Mary. Many businesses of all types will close around this date, some for as long as three weeks.

You will spot businesses with signs on their doors “Chuiso per ferie” with various start and ending dates. You may also encounter reduced hours for businesses and government offices.

Many of the towns and cities in Italy seem like ghost towns as the locals head to the beach or the mountains for cooler weather. This can mean that you will find minimal services available in some areas and large crowds with the available services along the beach and in the mountains. The weekends around Ferragosto will also mean heavy traffic and congestion on the motorways.

There are, however plenty of events taking place in Italy during this period from sagre to concerts and most of these are free.