Chiuso per Ferie - Closed for Vacation

Today we took the train to Modena for a day trip. There aren't many restaurants in Modena's centro storico and most of the ones we found had signs saying chiuso per ferie. It's the time of year when many Italians start taking their summer vacations. You'll see signs on restaurants and shops saying chiuso per ferie, closed for vacation. Especially in August, many restaurants, bars, and shops will be closed in the cities although on the seashore they'll likely be open, taking their vacations in winter.

Another sign you'll see is giorno di chiusura, indicating the day of the week the restaurant or bar is closed. Bars and restaurants must close one day a week. Most shops are closed on Sundays but may also be closed for a morning or afternoon during the week.

The farmacia was also closed today. Why? Il sciopero, a word you're llikely to hear if you're traveling around Italy very much. Today they were protesting a new law that would allow grocery stores to sell over the counter drugs, currently only available in the farmacia (not to be confused with a drogheria).