Milan lights up the colors of the Ambrosian Carnival until Feb. 25, transforming the city into an open-air stage. Taking center stage is the “Le mille e una piazza” festival, which with its section dedicated to Carnival (Il Mercato dei Saltimbanchi) offers free performances inspired by popular tradition and the commedia dell’arte. Performers include Italian and international companies such as the Académie Internationale des Arts duSpectacle of Versailles, directed by Carlo Boso, which presents La Fortuna di Flavio between Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb. 20.
The soul of the festival moves to the Pusterla in St. Ambrose on Saturday, Feb. 21, where a circular stage is set up for L’Arena di Cyrano, a show by Eugenio Allegri that pits emerging companies against each other in a form of participatory theater. The festival concludes Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Asteria Center with an open lecture on Commedia dell’Arte and the final performance I Comici a Lione by Atelier Teatro.
Workshops and trails for the little ones
In parallel with the performances, Milan’s cultural institutions offer routes designed for children and families. At Mudec, on Saturday, Feb. 21, a guided workshop allows young children to explore the permanent collections and create masks inspired by objects and traditions from around the world.
The Castello Sforzesco also offers dedicated activities: children can dress up as ladies, knights and dukes to relive the era of Ludovico il Moro or take part in the Castle Monsters route, among sculptures and bas-reliefs that tell of Renaissance myths and symbols. Creative workshops, treasure hunts and special shows also involve Museo del Duomo, Pinacoteca, Planetarium Hoepli and Acquario Civico, combining play, art and science.
Cathedral Square and neighborhoods in celebration
Through Feb. 21, the Milano Clown Festival brings circus artists and thespians to more than 20 squares around the city, while the streets of the neighborhoods become stages for parades and improvisations. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the afternoon in Piazza Duomo reaches a climax with masked groups, music and confetti, creating an atmosphere of collective celebration.
Unusual events round out the program: at Terme De Montel, relaxation meets Carnival, with figures in historical costumes; skating rinks host choreographed performances; and the city’s nightlife offers masquerade evenings and parties late into the night. The Milanese week thus becomes a choral tale of tradition, spectacle and direct participation, confirming the particularity of the Ambrosian Carnival, which is longer and more intense than in the rest of Italy.
