Buon Ferragosto

As I prepare for my Ferragosto break, here's a virtual holiday so you too can connect to Italy at the most beautiful time of the year and enjoy an Italian vacanza.

Ciao, today I’ll keep it really short.

Buon Ferragosto a tutte e tutti.

Today is a big holiday in Italy. 

It’s that time of the year where cities are practically empty. 

Those who have stayed home, look at each other like survivors of an apocalypse. 

Now is the time to hopefully be outdoors. Preferably at the sea, the river or the cool hills.

I’m spending my Ferragosto in my beloved Val Trebbia listening the the voice of the river. I’ll be chatting with friends, taking walks, attending summer events, drinking spritzes, lounging in the sun and eating watermelon. 

I’m spending my time off doing nothing that requires a phone. Or anything else.

I hope you find ways to devote this day to some Italian rest to nurture your connection to the country. 

I hope you can find some time to embrace doing absolutely nothing except listen to the cicadas in the background.

If you can’t take time off at least slow down. The time to read this post.

It doesn’t matter if your country doesn’t celebrate Ferragosto, we all need more breaks and this is one thing that Italians do very well. 

You deserve it. 

And here’s a virtual Ferragosto celebration for you. 

A recurring Chiuso per Ferie sign

Some spaghetti alle vongole, such a summer dish…

Un piatto di spaghetti alle vongole, tipico piatto estivo

A slice of cocomero

Uno spritz in riva al mare

A crema di caffè

View of a crowded beach from under an ombrellone

A sunset from the beach

Here’s a tormentone playlist for this summer to give you the right vibes. 

An old movie set in August ( with English subtitles, che bello!) to see that timeless holiday mood. Romans going to Ostia on their vespas. Nothing is more estate than this!

I’m taking a tiny break. See you in two weeks!

A presto e buon Ferragosto.