Summer Shutdowns Across Europe
One of the customs you may have to get used to if you are moving abroad is the idea of a summer shutdown. Many countries effectively close over either July or August and you may be expected to take time off if you are moving there for work reasons.
Here The Moving Partnership, who can help with complete removals packages as well as European DIY removals, look at a few of the countries where this custom is ingrained in the culture.
Italy
In Italy, their summer shutdown is partly rooted in the climate; it’s considered too hot for some people to work in factories in the summer months, so it’s better for these factories to close over the hottest periods rather than risk the health and safety of their employees.
There are also historic reasons – the Emperor Augustus Caesar first instigated the idea of an August break on the 1st of the month as a day of rest for the agricultural workers who had brought in the harvest. Then, in the Christian era, this was moved to 15th August – Ferragosta, or The Feast of the Assumption, was made a national holiday and many people took days off either side of it to extend their break.
So, if you are considering international removals to Italy, you will find many businesses and shops closed for at least part of August and (particularly from the big cities like Rome, Milan and Florence) everyone heads off on holiday.
Spain
Much like Italy, the Feast of the Assumption is also celebrated in Spain; the middle two weeks of August are the peak period for Spaniards to go on holiday. However, in some workplaces it is mandatory for employees to go on holiday for the entire month.
Some places, particularly the tourist hotspots, stay open for financial reasons but businesses in some areas (notably southern Spain) may stay open but vary their opening hours, for example people may start work an hour earlier and end between 3-4pm. This helps employees avoid the worst of the heat.
Scandinavia
If you are interested in house removals to Scandinavia, then many of the Nordic countries also have an enforced summer break, but for a slightly different reason to many of the Mediterranean nations.
It’s not because the summers are too hot – but because the winters are so cold. Everyone wants to make the most of the warmer temperatures with their families, so holidays and business shutdowns are much more encouraged when the weather is pleasant.
This is particularly true in Sweden, where an industrial holiday (called industriesemester) was officially introduced in 1938. Although this practice is no longer statutory, most workers still take the bulk of their annual leave in July and August.
And in Norway, the practice known as Fellesfiere means that, under the terms of the country’s Holiday Act, employees are entitled to take three weeks’ holiday from June 1 to 30 September, and most take it in July.
Other Mediterranean Countries
Islands such as Cyprus and Malta are also likely to see many businesses shut down for two weeks in summer, usually either side of 15th August. Again, the hot weather is one reason, along with the tradition of taking a seaside break.
Tourist hotspots shouldn’t be too badly affected, but if you are moving to somewhere slightly off the beaten track don’t be surprised to see a ‘Closed’ sign in the windows of local businesses during August.
European DIY Removals with The Moving Partnership
If you are interested in European DIY removals, then The Moving Partnership can help supply you with packing materials, storage space and other facilities, including insurance and currency exchange.
We can also organise complete removals packages – whether it’s to Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, our network of contacts in the international removals industry means we will be able to come up with a competitively-priced quote which will meet all your needs.
We aren’t restricted to European moves either – we can help with removals to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, South Africa and many other worldwide destinations.
For more information, you can check out our brochure here or call us on 0800 772 3709.
