Milan shuts down for a month of summer holidays despite economic turmoil

Milan shuts down for August despite economic turmoil. Photo by Antonia Scott

Despite news reports and market speculation that Italy's economy is at risk and a six per cent market plumet, its main commercial hub, the fashion capital of the world, Milan, has shut down for the summer.

For the entire month of August businesses of all types, services, retail, construction and manufacturing, to name just a few, shut up shop and head off on holidays.

While there are, no doubt, businesses one can do without for a month, the first Monday of August caused a mini panic when my fridge was empty and I found my fresh food markets, my butcher, baker and fishmonger and my local supermarket were all closed.

After a quick lap or two of my neighbourhood I managed to find a supermarket open 15 minutes away. Presumably, this particular supermarket is the only one open in my zone for the month of August. While my five minute shopping trip has now turned into a half hour outing at least we have food.

An Austrian friend has said that August is better now than three years ago. He tells of his first year in August when he exited the Metro into a normally crowded piazza on his way to work to experience a Will Smith in I am Legend experience - he was the only single sole in sight. In a thick Austrian accent, which no doubt made him sound more Arnie than Will, he had yelled "Fuck'n'hell it's the end of the world and I'm the last man left."

While the Duomo and main tourist areas are still open, if you want to get a real feel for the Milan lifestyle and culture I'd avoid travelling here in August. On the other hand if you don't like crowds Milan is all yours.