Bittersweet Moment #227: Ferragosto and Italy’s Universal August Holidays

2025-07-30

Why does (seemingly) every single person in Italy go on vacation during the month of August? If you've ever visited Italy in the month of August, you'll know that big cities and small towns alike empty out, particularly during the two middle weeks of August, and it can be a challenge to find a decent restaurant or shop open, or more locals than you can shake a stick at. Why is that? Would you believe it's a tradition that dates back two thousand years? Don't miss this week's mini-episode, which also happens to be our last new episode...

Why does (seemingly) every single person in Italy go on vacation during the month of August?

If you've ever visited Italy in the month of August, you'll know that big cities and small towns alike empty out, particularly during the two middle weeks of August, and it can be a challenge to find a decent restaurant or shop open, or more locals than you can shake a stick at.

Why is that? Would you believe it's a tradition that dates back two thousand years?

Don't miss this week's mini-episode, which also happens to be our last new episode until September, because that's right, we too are taking the month of August off. Have a wonderful rest of your summer and will see you in Season 13!

***Katy's sister Dana has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 agressive brain cancer. To help with the staggering medical costs—her specialist is outside her insurance network—as well of the costs of temporarily relocating to San Francsico for her treatments, please consider donating to her GoFundMe. Anything you can contribute will be extremely helpful. Thank you.***

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