Friday, August 15, 2008

Ferragosto


Today is August 15, an Italian national holiday which I've never understood... It has Roman agrarian origins, on this day the main agricultural chores had been completed and it was a day of rest. Nowadays it's an excuse for mega dance parties on the beach for the young (do they need an excuse?) or yet another occasion to get together with friends and families and eat too much (do we need another occasion?).
For me it represents the beginning of the end of summer. Back to school time is just two weeks off for me - though my boys have another month of vacation! It seems like time is flying by...just like the train in the photo. The very train I'll be taking to work not too long from now...

5 comments:

Fabrizio Zanelli said...

Completely agree and I let you imagine how it is to spend ferragosto in a quite empty city: wonderful !!!

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

I don't get it either. I find it rather annoying, actually, being here in the south were everyone seems to come (including, ahem, ALL of my in-laws), but I *do* appreciate that it usually means the end of stifling heat. Usually ;)

Patrizia said...

Even thought I'm Italian, also for me Ferragosto is a sort of mistery and a quite boring tradition ... I don't go for the classical day trip (the gita fuoriporta) and I don't go to parties. Too old? :-) For me too it is the beginning of the end of summer, and it is not a sad occasion: September means a new beginning, a new year, new challenges, new friends .. and this year also a new baby!

Saretta said...

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's baffled!

Patrizia - a new baby! That is special!!!

Vacanze a Gallipoli said...

I spent the holiday of August last year at Gallipoli in Salento. Unforgettable days. I hope to return soon.
Appartamenti Gallipoli