Where is everybody??

Are you getting more out-of-office messages than replies to your messages? Are you having trouble getting in touch with your European colleagues? Well, it must be August then, the time for vacation, the time for relaxation and getting away from the busy days before it all starts again in September. Despite some rumors, Europe does not “shut down” for an entire month but things do get a little slower and don’t be surprised to find “Closed for holiday” sign on many business doors for several weeks. But why August?

Take the Italian national holiday, Ferragosto on August 15th, for example. The term itself derives from the Latin expression Feriae Augusti (Augustus' holiday), which is a celebration introduced by the emperor Augustus in 18 BC, around the same time many celebrate harvest, and take time off after the hard labor of the previous weeks and months. The same day is also a religious holiday, Assumption of Mary, which is celebrated by churches around the world. Besides the historical reasons, of course, there are quite a few practical reasons to vacation this month from the nice weather, quieter large cities to giving the children and yourself a break before school starts.

If you are interested in reading more about this topic, check out this article or this one.

- Kornelia Lasluisa