The equation is easy to do: 15 + august = holiday

Ferragosto has always been (at least since some decades) the symbol of summer holidays and it is the same nowadays. Ferragosto is national holiday in Italy because for the catholic calendar it celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and it is also the day of the so called “gita fuori porta”, or day trip to the seaside, to the mountains and also to some art cities.

This tradition comes from the Fascist time when the regime used to offer train tickets at very discounted prices for Ferragosto, in order to let people enjoy a little holiday, even those belonging to the poor class.

The celebration was in origin a Roman tradition. The term derives from the Latin expression Feriae Augusti, that means Augustus’ rest, or the Holidays of the Emperor Augustus, as he was the person who introduced it. This celebration was meant to let the people rest after having worked hard for the wheat harvest.

Travel tips: if you are in Florence during Ferragosto you’ll probably notice that some shops are closed, such as some restaurants and cafés. But don’t be sad because most of churches and museums are open (Uffizi, Accademia, Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce).

It’s true… Florence is not a city close to the sea, but it can offer many things to do. So enjoy your Ferragosto in Florence!