Creating a Ferragosto August While Living in the U.S.

A guide to slowing down, savoring summer’s sweetness, and honoring the sacred pause—even if you're not on the Italian coast.

I write this to you from under the bump. That is to say that my pregnant belly protrudes over my keyboard while my feet rest comfortably propped up. I’m remiss to get this post published nearly a week later that I’d hoped, but alas, I’ve been giving my pregnant self a ferragusto August. I’m under no imperative to meet a deadline. I’m moving slow as a snail these days - as slow as anyone in their right mind should be moving during the hottest peak of summer. Or, as slow as you’d expect a 6 month pregnant woman to move in 95 degrees. Pregnancy is helping me embrace a ferragusto August, and for that I’m grateful. That’s what I’m here to talk about today - the wisdom of ferragusto.

In Italy, Ferragosto marks the height of summer. It’s a national holiday on August 15th, but more than that, it’s a cultural slow down. Businesses close and cities empty. Locals head to the mountains or the sea to escape the heat for the entire month. And for at least a few golden weeks, everyone steps away and takes a deep breath. What a dream - no!?

But what if you're in America, a place where August often feels more like a sprint than a siesta? Between back-to-school rush, full inboxes, and a culture that glorifies busyness, it can feel rebellious to press pause. And yet, that’s exactly what this month calls for. I polled my audience on social media asking if it’s possible to cultivate a Ferragusto August in the U.S. 46% of you said yes, and believe that it might just look different than taking a month long holiday as they do in Europe. I’m of a similar mind. The majority of people however, said “No”, and that makes me sad. But perhaps, that’s all the more reason to actively pursue this level of rest and seasonal celebration al fresco. I believe a Ferragosto state of mind is possible anywhere (and whether you’re pregnant or not) - if you’re willing to shift your rhythm. Here’s some ideas for how to create your own Ferragosto—no passport required.