Some might wonder why we’d be in Italy in August, the hottest month of the year. It’s a good question; the answer is a simple one.

We specifically timed our trip to be in here in summer, partly because the Palio is run in the Gulf of the Poets in early August, and also because in Italy, and certainly in Bologna, summer is when the party starts.

 

August is holiday season here - ferie - and while many shops and businesses close for the long break, it's also party time in and around the city.
August is holiday season here - ferie - and while many shops and businesses close for the long break, it's also party time in and around the city.
Dance night in Bologna's main square, Piazza Maggiore. Set up a stage, line up the musicians, invite the people - and they will come - in their hundreds.
Dance night in Bologna's main square, Piazza Maggiore. Set up a stage, line up the musicians, invite the people - and they will come - in their hundreds.
This was such a fun event! The party started around 9pm and people danced the night away.
This was such a fun event! The party started around 9pm and people danced the night away.
We went to cool down with gelato, and when we wandered back through the square towards midnight, they were still dancing.
We went to cool down with gelato, and when we wandered back through the square towards midnight, they were still dancing.
Bologna is an important centre for the restoration of old films.
Bologna is an important centre for the restoration of old films.
Over several weeks, 'Cinema Under the Stars' in the piazza showcased some of the great Italian classics.
Over several weeks, 'Cinema Under the Stars' in the piazza showcased some of the great Italian classics.
Fortunately, with English subtitles!
Fortunately, with English subtitles!
There are festivals in the suburbs, too. This one is in our local park, right outside Porta Saragozza.
There are festivals in the suburbs, too. This one is in our local park, right outside Porta Saragozza.
 
A couple of food trucks, colds drinks and a warm summer evening. (In the bag there are truffle-stuffed olives!)
A couple of food trucks, colds drinks and a warm summer evening. (In the bag there are truffle-stuffed olives!)
The fabulous 'Birrabus'
The fabulous 'Birrabus'
Serving artisan beers and cocktails.
Serving artisan beers and cocktails.
This festival is a little further afield, about 40 mins outside Bologna. In a long-standing tradition, the local Democratic political party hosts the event over a couple of weeks.
This festival is a little further afield, about 40 mins outside Bologna. In a long-standing tradition, the local Democratic political party hosts the event over a couple of weeks.
Party workers and local volunteers come together to create a kind of annual 'festival of food'.
Party workers and local volunteers come together to create a kind of annual 'festival of food'.
And it's amazing. Each night they produce hundreds of meals in a make-shift kitchen, and every dish that comes out is exceptional. How do they do that?
And it's amazing. Each night they produce hundreds of meals in a make-shift kitchen, and every dish that comes out is exceptional. How do they do that?
There's dinner ...
There's dinner ...
... and dancing ...
... and dancing ...
... and the odd political speech, too, for those who are interested.
... and the odd political speech, too, for those who are interested.
If you're travelling on a schedule, August is probably not the best month to visit Italy, but if you have time to spare, summer - at least in Bologna - is definitely a lot of fun.
If you're travelling on a schedule, August is probably not the best month to visit Italy, but if you have time to spare, summer - at least in Bologna - is definitely a lot of fun.