The 'Ferragosto' Effect
The timeless art of doing nothing -- and getting away with everything
Every year on Ferragosto, Italy fakes its own death.
When I first came to Italy, typical August vacations lasted the whole month; now they’re two weeks. But Ferragosto -- this Friday -- refuses to change. It’s the one day of the year when Italy still shuts down completely.
Offices locked. Streets silent. Shutters drawn. Available parking is everywhere.
It…
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