August 15 marks the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary and also “Ferragosto,” a national holiday in Italy during which people celebrate the mid-point of their vacation month in August. Feriae Augusti were introduced by the emperor Augustus in 18 BC.

Italy is HOT during August. Hot hot hot. And because of this tradition, many people have the month off. So they go to the beach. THEY. ALL. GO. And Let me tell you, if you live in the middle of Italy, all you want to do is get the hell out of there and GO. TO. THE. BEACH.

#ARTMOMENT: An interpretation of Italian culture and history through the mind of an American.