Ferragosto August 15th

[Chuckanut]

Buon ferragosto a tutti!!

Is anybody lucky enough to be celebrating ferragosto in Italy this year?

Today is Ferragosto in Italy, the day when Roman Catholics believe the Virgin Mary is supposed to have ascended to heaven, and a major Italian holiday.
Ferragosto is, next to Christmas, Easter and New Years, probably the most important holiday in Italy. You will read that the entire country shuts down on August 15 to celebrate, but what you might not see is that most of the country is already in shut-down mode. Many Italians take the entire month of August off anyway, so midway through the month they’re probably ready to leave their beach chairs for one day for a big celebration.

 

[jj]

Yes, we are here in Lucca, Tuscany! It's been a beautiful day, most of the shops are shut but the restaurants are mostly open. The locals have been gathering with their families to celebrate. We had a leisurely walk around the walls and then a slow food lunch.

Ciao