Yesterday was a national holiday in Italy, and the section of Florence in which I live was as empty and quiet as an abandoned city.  Not so every other day of the year!

It’s Ferragosto in Italy – a national holiday whose history has both Roman and Catholic roots. The Latin origin of the name indicates it was the holiday of the Emperor Augustus.

For the church it is the Assumption of Mary into heaven.

Today, it stands for vacation – and most people (who aren’t there already) head to the beach.

But this year the weather is not cooperating. After a very hot beginning of the month, at least the thunderstorms brought a drop in temperatures.

In Tuscany the weather should be back on track by tomorrow.

You can read more about the custom of Ferragosto here: http://www.arttrav.com/it/august-in-italy/