Is there a 4th of July in Italy?

July 3, 7:54 PMItalian Living ExaminerSerenella Leoni

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This is an old trick question. Of course there is a 4th of July in Italy.  It is a date on the calendar.  It is not celebrated as a holiday since this date marks U.S. independence.

June 2 commemorates the 1946 birth of the Italian Republic, a much-awaited triumph of liberty and democracy

So, what are Italians doing at this time of year?  Mother and grandmothers are flocking to the very organized, private beach clubs or to the mountain resorts to spend time there with the children. The working fathers usually join their families on the week-ends and for a longer vacation in August.

Major Italian cities lose many of their Italian residents as people leave the stifling weather for heat relief at the beach or in the mountains.

The experience of going to the beach in Italy is quite unique. There are very limited areas of public beach. Most of the beautiful expanse of coastline and beaches is occupied by private beach clubs that originated in the late 1800s. The private beach clubs are all about Italian hospitality: One can rent space at these clubs for a day, a week, a month or the entire summer season and get a changing room (often with a hot shower) and a beach umbrella or canopy with chairs and a chaise lounge. Many of these clubs have beautiful pools and instructors for swimming lessons.

The longer the clients have been frequenting the club, the closer their space to the sea (a much-coveted spot is the one closest to the water). There are highly-qualified lifeguards and staff to take care of client needs. Most of these establishments have a snack bar and many have restaurants that are open year-round. Some clubs are more upscale but there are clubs for all different budget levels.

Each morning the sand is sifted with a large special box-like strainer to make sure it is clear of debris and ready for everyone to enjoy.

During the lazy summer days, African vendors who migrate north for the summer season saunter from club to club offering everything from table cloth and fabrics to knock-off designer wares. A recent law prohibits vendors from offering chair massages to beach-goers although some of these activities still occur. Local vendors tend to sell food such as pizza, ice cream or fresh coconuts. All in all, there are many choices of services and merchandise.

The best moments on an Italian beach are at six or seven o'clock in the evening when most people have gone home and you have the beach all to yourself. You can sit in the warm sea breeze, smell the salty air, gaze out at the azure sea and listen to the waves lapping against the shore. It is pure heaven!.