54% of Italians went on Ferragosto outings

ROME (ANSA) — More than half of Italians, 54 percent, went on outings on the Aug. 15 Ferragosto holiday this year, according to data released last month.

Some 5.3 million went on the traditional picnic, farmers’ association Coldiretti said.

Beaches and mountain resorts were packed as the whole country basked in fine weather.

Tailbacks were reported on motorways and there were a number of car accidents — three in Friuli, Veneto and Puglia in which four young people died and five were hurt.

Fewer wildfires were reported this year.