Well you might notice that today might be a little different than normal…Well of course, it is Ferragosto! It is a national holiday, a holiday of obligation for all, adopted by the Roman Catholics in the memory of theAssumption of Mother Mary.
In earlier times, before the Roman Catholic Church, the Romans celebrated this day in honor of the Gods, praising the cycle of fertility and ripening. Hence, the name derives from the Latin version “Feriae Augusti“.
Coming back to today the Italians close down their activities and most of them travel to the sea side. The sulfur springs are another option or travelling to Siena for the Palio(look at article Palio for further info). No worries though, in the city center you will find enough bars and restaurants that will be open. Just a few accessory shops will be open. The consolation is that all the museums and churches are open to the public. Only a few might have small variations in the closing hours. Relax and enjoy Florence on its day of hibernation.
In summer, by the beach, on Ferragosto young and less young crowds gather to throw around water balloon and buckets of water, stay wet!
Do not forget that the Perseid meteor shower are at the doorstep! More info on the next article 🙂