Every year on 7 December, the Festival of Sant’Ambrogio is celebrated, patron saint of the city of Milan that, for the occasion, organizes a long and interesting series of events that attract people not only from the place, but from all regions of Italy.
The one in honor of Sant’Ambrogio is, in fact, a religious party that, however, lays the foundations for sharing with friends and family moments of joy and fun between markets, concerts and Christmas lights.
Let’s discover the origins of this very popular party in Milan and the events scheduled for the 2024 edition!
An historical tradition
The feast, dating back to the fourth century, is entirely dedicated to Saint Ambrose, one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church; he was, in fact, bishop of Milan and has played an important role in the Western Christian tradition.
Despite the passage of centuries, still today the celebration pays tribute to this very important figure through both religious rituals, such as the Mass celebrated in the Basilica of Sant’Ambrosia, and cultural and folk events.
What to expect from the Feast of Saint Ambrose 2024
Also for 2024, on the occasion of Sant’Ambrogio the city of Milan will be decorated with a party, also in anticipation of Christmas, and its streets will be filled with lights, markets and laughter. The attendees will taste typical dishes prepared according to Milanese recipes, such as risotto and panettone, passing from a cafe to a restaurant to discover special menus.
The First of the Scale
And if the 7th of December is the Feast of Sant’Ambrogio, the 8th of December is the Immaculate, giving citizens two days full of events not to be missed. First of all the Prima della Scala, that is the opening night of the Teatro alla Scala Season which, since 1951, at the behest of the then director Victor De Sabata, takes place on the day of Sant’Ambrogio patron of Milan.
The Prima is an event simply unique from both a social and musical point of view, which take part in the highest positions of the city, the state and the social, economic and cultural life of Italy. This year, in particular, will be represented the opera “La Forza del Destino” by Giuseppe Verdi, directed by Maestro Riccardo Chailly and directed by Leo Muscato.
There will be many side events at the Premiere and it will be possible to follow it live for free in more than 30 locations around the city.
The Fair of Oh Bej! Oh Bej!
The most popular event of the Feast of Saint Ambrose is the fair of the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! , which anticipates the Christmas holidays for 5 centuries. It lasts 4 days and is the ideal opportunity to buy Christmas gifts, since you can find products of all kinds and for all budgets.
At the same time, the streets are filled with food and wine stalls, offering roasted chestnuts, honey, sweets and street food typical of the place. Of course, you can also sip hot drinks, taste the local panettone and walk surrounded by Christmas lights.
The lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo
Another event not to be missed is the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, which usually takes place on 8 December. Before and after it is recommended to take a trip inside the walls of Rho Fiera Milano and have a look at the pavilions of Artigiano in Fiera, which takes place from November 30 to December 8, 2024. Thanks to this exhibition, it is possible to discover and admire fascinating and unobtainable artefacts, very particular, so as to be intended for a niche audience. Who manages to win a piece, in fact, must be aware of the fact that they have purchased a product virtually unique in the world.
In addition, from 1 December 2024 the market will also open in Piazza Duomo: dozens of stalls full of flavors and handicrafts will be set up among the characteristic wooden houses, just to make the Christmas atmosphere even more engaging. Of course, there will be the Santa Claus House, where young and old can meet the undisputed king of the holidays and confide what they would like to find under the tree.
The Feast of Sant’Ambrogio is not to be missed and not only for the Milanese. It is, in fact, the perfect opportunity to start enjoying and living Christmas, among sparkling lights and unmistakable flavors, as well as the excuse to give yourself a few hours of pure and healthy fun.
Copertina : Pixabay
