This weekend was the peak of the summer season in Italian tourism

In the country of 60 million people, 22 million vacation, more than seventy percent of them on the beaches. The middle of August is considered the peak season, as even factories, offices, and clinics that are open all year round close their shutters for at least a week. Assumption Day, which falls on August 15, is known as the third largest church and state holiday after Christmas and Easter.

From Saturday to Monday, the highest level black traffic warning is in effect on the roads in Italy due to special traffic. More than 10 million vehicles are expected on the border sections and on the routes to the coasts. Every second Italian spends the holiday away from home, where family gatherings, garden parties, and out-of-town trips are traditionally held.

MTI