For me it was the opposite. Things slow down in August a lot of countries. But I moved to Italy in early September and so I couldn't understand the extent of Ferragosoto in Italy until nearly a whole year had passed.
Thanks, that was informative. Would the Mona Lisa be famous without a botched theft on Ferragosto, good question! Enjoy your break, and meanwhile I'm heading to Italy to join the Italians at la spiaggia for Ferragosto along with a 1 euro caffe.
That's a great "what if" question. I think it wouldn't be nearly as famous. Ironically, by stealing the Mona Lisa and trying to return it to Italy, Peruggia actually "robbed" Italy of having the world's most famous painting. Before 1914, the most recognized painting in the world was Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," which is still proudly displayed in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence.
Romans often use Ferragosto as the day to dump all kinds of appliances and furniture into or near the comunal garbage containers down their street -- or drive to a different neighborhood to dump it there, stuff that's not supposed to be disposed of that way. Infinitesimal chance some municipal cop would catch you and give a fine (or a neighbor see you.) It's also a great day for house thieves (known as "topi," or mice) to strike.
I had read about the Monna Lisa theft previously but I had no idea it happened in August nor that Apollinaire or Picasso were questioned. I wonder if anyone has ever thought of making a movie about it, it has legs.
Thanks, Eric! Love this: But the date is mostly an urban disappearing act so abrupt it feels like someone pulled a fire alarm. It’s an annual reminder that in Italy, history never completely disappears. It just changes costumes, and for Ferragosto, the costume is usually a swimsuit.
Fun! I didn't know the story of the Mona Lisa heist. Classic. Enjoy Iceland. No Ferragosto here in NYC, but I'm taking sun on the roof when I can, and generally taking things at an August pace, ha!
I love the story of the Mona Lisa robbery. I was unsure about including it here because the test itself took place in France. But it did have an Italy connection and so I went with it!
Love the history lesson. Also interesting how Mussolini had such a trump like touch. Or maybe it’s the other way around that Trump has the Mussolini touch
I agree! I always thought Trump was like the political godson of Mussolini and Berlusconi.
I can't agree with most of what Mussolini did, but his policies aimed at helping Italians discover their own country and make them proud of their heritage -- it's hard to argue with that part. That said, I could come up with a very long list of very disturbing things he said and did.
And a Ferragosto break in Iceland! I don't know if it was the case when you were here, but I'm meeting Italians everywhere here.
Before I left, I don't my barrista where I was going and he said, "It's a country of 300,000 people and 100,000 Italians are going there." He wasn't far off!
Very interesting read. I love the combination of current events and history. I live in the country here in Italy and love the feeling in the air during the month of August. It's just this sense of everyone being in vacation mode. There's nothing quite like the feeling of thousands of people not wanting to work hard for a whole month at a time.
I always learn something new with your articles!
When I moved to the U.S. I couldn't believe Ferragosto wasn't a thing they did! I had no idea it was so "Italian" ...
That's very flattering. Thank you.
For me it was the opposite. Things slow down in August a lot of countries. But I moved to Italy in early September and so I couldn't understand the extent of Ferragosoto in Italy until nearly a whole year had passed.
Thanks, that was informative. Would the Mona Lisa be famous without a botched theft on Ferragosto, good question! Enjoy your break, and meanwhile I'm heading to Italy to join the Italians at la spiaggia for Ferragosto along with a 1 euro caffe.
That's a great "what if" question. I think it wouldn't be nearly as famous. Ironically, by stealing the Mona Lisa and trying to return it to Italy, Peruggia actually "robbed" Italy of having the world's most famous painting. Before 1914, the most recognized painting in the world was Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," which is still proudly displayed in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence.
Enjoy Italy and the good, inexpensive coffee!
Thanks for sharing a few things about the history of the holiday that I wasn't aware of. Have a good break and Buon Ferragosto!
In Italy, there's so much history behind everything! It's fascinating.
Buon Ferragosto to you, too!
Romans often use Ferragosto as the day to dump all kinds of appliances and furniture into or near the comunal garbage containers down their street -- or drive to a different neighborhood to dump it there, stuff that's not supposed to be disposed of that way. Infinitesimal chance some municipal cop would catch you and give a fine (or a neighbor see you.) It's also a great day for house thieves (known as "topi," or mice) to strike.
I had read about the Monna Lisa theft previously but I had no idea it happened in August nor that Apollinaire or Picasso were questioned. I wonder if anyone has ever thought of making a movie about it, it has legs.
Hope you get to cross Iceland at its highest point, Eric, I wasn't able to on my trip. Long live closed "bars" and Ferragosto!!!
The road is closed! But we got close ...
Thanks, Eric! Love this: But the date is mostly an urban disappearing act so abrupt it feels like someone pulled a fire alarm. It’s an annual reminder that in Italy, history never completely disappears. It just changes costumes, and for Ferragosto, the costume is usually a swimsuit.
Had to restack!
Enjoy your vacanza!
Thank you, Etta! I was pleased to have come up with that line.
Buona vacanza to you as well!
That first line is the best descriptor I've read of ferragosto yet. Rest of the read opened up another side of the curtain
Aw, thanks! Those are two wonderful compliments!
Wow! You find the most interesting stories!
Thank you! I finally found a use for all the reading I've done over the years! Haha.
Fun! I didn't know the story of the Mona Lisa heist. Classic. Enjoy Iceland. No Ferragosto here in NYC, but I'm taking sun on the roof when I can, and generally taking things at an August pace, ha!
Enjoy the Big Apple, Annie!
I love the story of the Mona Lisa robbery. I was unsure about including it here because the test itself took place in France. But it did have an Italy connection and so I went with it!
See you back in Rome ...
Happy Holidays! Deadsville.... hard to even get a cup of coffee. Love it!
Love the history lesson. Also interesting how Mussolini had such a trump like touch. Or maybe it’s the other way around that Trump has the Mussolini touch
I agree! I always thought Trump was like the political godson of Mussolini and Berlusconi.
I can't agree with most of what Mussolini did, but his policies aimed at helping Italians discover their own country and make them proud of their heritage -- it's hard to argue with that part. That said, I could come up with a very long list of very disturbing things he said and did.
You are now officially more Italian than the Italians. A Ferragosto break… 😁
And a Ferragosto break in Iceland! I don't know if it was the case when you were here, but I'm meeting Italians everywhere here.
Before I left, I don't my barrista where I was going and he said, "It's a country of 300,000 people and 100,000 Italians are going there." He wasn't far off!
Brilliant!
Thanks! See you soon in Rome!
Very interesting read. I love the combination of current events and history. I live in the country here in Italy and love the feeling in the air during the month of August. It's just this sense of everyone being in vacation mode. There's nothing quite like the feeling of thousands of people not wanting to work hard for a whole month at a time.