Carnival is undoubtedly one of the traditional festivals of our culture that attracts a lot of attention. This is true both for the events organized in the squares of all the cities of the boot-shaped peninsula and for the target audience, namely children. Costumes, masks, and floats are the key elements of what is much more than just a simple recurrence in February, which religiously marks the beginning of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. In every place, there is also a radical transformation of the urban image for Carnival, and among these, Milan stands out, the capital of Lombardy and the locomotive of Italy. In this focus, let’s see how Carnival is prepared and developed in Milan and what it offers to local citizens, to the numerous tourists who flock to the area, and to those who come from outside the region. So, when is Carnival in Milan, what do people do, where do they celebrate, and when do the floats parade?
When is Carnival in Milan?
Let’s start from a fundamental point of analysis regarding the Milanese Carnival, namely, when it occurs. It usually happens, as is well known, on Shrove Tuesday, which falls between the first and second week of February. Therefore, we are talking about a period that goes from the 8th to the 13th of the month in question, from which Lent then begins, leading to Easter. Thus, the capital of Lombardy also adheres to the fixed rule for Carnival. However, it allows an exception due to another celebration, namely St. Ambrose. This results in a double celebration that effectively extends the Carnival period by combining two elements and celebratory reasons. Both are fundamentally and religiously based, which then lead to worldliness and the organization of musical events or themed genres.
What is done in Milan for Carnival?
Like in all city centers in Italy, the Carnival in Milan is based on three key elements: the parade of allegorical floats, costume balls, and masks that, with their sometimes historical, sometimes modern character, enrich the streets of Milan with color and charisma. In the north of the boot, the most replicated historical faces in terms of masks are Gianduja and Harlequin, to which are added other characters from both the same cultural world and that of the cinematic or television series. This is somewhat similar to what happens at Halloween when ghosts, witches, and horrific vows are joined by characters from the film and television sector.
Where to celebrate Carnival in Milan?
The Ambrosian Carnival, which occurs annually as a seasonal event in Milan, is an all-encompassing event that involves not only the urban center but also many surrounding areas. We are not talking only about Piazza Duomo, the heart and nerve center of Milan’s social fabric, but also about the adjacent streets, as well as the secondary courses and squares, which connect like arteries of a human body to the central point of the Lombard capital. Moreover, the fact that Carnival in Milan coincides with the celebrations for the local patron saint, St. Ambrose, is an additional plus that increases the anticipation of the citizens.
When do the floats parade in Milan?
We have mentioned above the reference period of the Milanese Carnival, which spans the time frame from February 8th to 13th. However, there are some exceptions, especially related to the organization of events such as the parade of allegorical floats, costume dances, and music with stages set up for the occasion. The preferred date for the float parade in this context is February 17th, as evidenced by the previous annual experiences of the celebration in question, particularly in 2022 and 2021, to give concrete examples. Thus, it’s a Carnival that extends over several days and is not limited to the general traditional occurrence. From February 8th to 14th, the time frame interests all of Italy, from north to south, in terms of Carnival. It’s not just one day and stop, but a series of days that are good for floats, costume balls, music, concerts, and many other forms of entertainment.
Why does Carnival last longer in Milan?
As mentioned regarding the Milanese Carnival, it lasts several days, not strictly adhering to the religious tradition which dictates that this festivity is fixed on Shrove Tuesday. Therefore, costume balls, masks, and float parades extend over a week or more. This transition from a single day to almost ten days involves both the pre and post-Carnival event. Especially in a metropolis like Milan, which, due to its size, requires longer timelines on an organizational level. Often, local city administrations of important cities like Milan, the “locomotive of Italy”, must anticipate discussions related to the setup and arrangement of spaces for the celebrations. This situation is not unique to Milan but also affects other major cities such as Naples, Rome, Venice, Florence, and so on.
Not all cities have the luxury of focusing exclusively on this event, unlike Viareggio, which has always dedicated a significant part of its time to organizing Carnival. Returning to the question of why Carnival lasts longer in Milan, here’s the answer that then brings together all the key urban points of the boot in a common purpose. A reason that also motivates the variability of days to celebrate this occasion, which, unlike other celebrations like Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, and so on, always falls on the same day. Finally, an important component must be added: the NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente, or Rental Car with Driver) as the main service in Milan for reaching such events. Destinations are easily accessible thanks to this supplementary tool of non-line public transport for car rental with a driver.
