Best Holiday of the Summer

The world changes in Italy in August

Ferragosto - Assumption Day - is the day that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up and assumed into heaven. Now, Italy virtually shuts down.
For example, Milan loses from 65 percent to 75 percent of its permanent residents to the beaches and mountains despite recent advertising campaigns that tiredly recite the catchphrase 'Milan remains open'. The country's interior is almost all empty from the beginning of August, as it is the sign of the beginning of "vacation month".
The "shut down" in Italy can include many tourist attractions, supermarkets, restaurants, stores, banks, public services and offices, businesses, and most newsstands and bars. This change in the everyday running of the country also affects the stock market and industrial output, as everything grinds to a halt.
Interestingly enough if the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, then the Monday or Friday in-between is treated as a bridge holiday and retail stores and public services remain closed.
As a traveler it's important to check up on what is happening in the city or town you plan to visit. Also, if you plan to go to the beach or mountains, make sure you have a reservation, otherwise you'll be out of luck and very disappointed.

Spirit of Woodstock Festival

It has been 10 years since the creation of the Spirti of Woodstock festival at Mirapuri. Since 1993 it has developed into a growing alternative cultural event that has an atmosphere of love and joy.
Musicians flock from all over the world to participate in this event. They sing and play along with Michel Montecrossa and The Chosen Few. The festival takes place each year during the first week of August and plays to an enthusiastic audience.
The festival takes place at the Omnidiet Resort and Business Hotel, Via Monte Falò 8. It is located in Mirapuri-Coiromonte, Novara, Italy and runs from August 15 to August 17, 2003. Performances will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Tickets to this event will cost 10 euros a day. However for the more adventurous, they have set up a do-it-yourself-adventure-camping price.

Feste Musicali for San Rocco

It's kind of funny that event advertisers would still mention that cars are not allowed in Venice. Considered one of the oldest musical festivals in the world. The Venice Baroque Music International festival takes place in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, in Campo San Rocco. It provides a beautiful atmosphere that inspires some wonderful musical pieces.
This year the festival begins on August 16 until September 22, 2003. The theme this year looks at Venice as the crossroad of the Mediterranean area.
More information can be found on their web site Web site: www.sanroccofestival.com. They can also be contacted by email at info@sanroccofestival.com or by phone 39. 041962999.

Our Lady of Madia

This is a celebration related to a particular tradition involving a table with a carved picture of the Madonna on it, which was found buried in the sand many years ago.
From August 14 to 16 Our Lady of Madia will be celebrated in Monopoli, Bari.

Contesa del Secchio
This is celebrated at Ascoli Piceno in S. Elpidio a Mare. Tocca a me! No, c'ero prima io... - Touch me! No, first it was me... -
To settle the disputes between the districts for the order of precedence to draw water from the citizen's well.
Now they laugh from above and Saint Elpidio is playing: three teams, costumes of 400 B.S., beautiful frames, historic court with 700 figures for this event that is the most antique historical revocation of the parade.

Publication Date: 2003-08-17
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3051