Festivals and Events in Lombardy

Milan and the provinces of Lombardy have a full calendar of festivals throughout the year. Here you will find information and a description of the events, with links to their websites where available...

Local tourist offices are a good source of information on events and festivals happening in the area.

Festivals in Milan

• Corteo dei Rei Magi: Twelfth night is celebrated on 6 January. In Milan this involves a procession between Sant'Ambroglio and Sant'Eustorgio
• Sei Giorno di Ciclismo: A competitive cycling event that lasts for six days. Cyclists race at Forum di Assago in Milan
• Carnevale Ambrosiano: In February, all the Italian cities celebrate carnival season, especially Milan, where there are floats and parades to the Piazza del Duomo. Festivities continue until the Saturday following Shrove Tuesday
• Milan Fashion Week: Fashion event where the new seasonal lines are unveiled and the city plays host to many international celebrities and models. Admittance is by invitation only
• Festa del Naviglio: Summer celebration with torchlight processions, music, markets, crafts, street artists and sporting events
• Sagra di San Cristoforo: Held in June, Saint Christopher's day is marked with music, dancing and firework displays on the banks of the river
• Festa di Sant'Ambrogio: The feast day of Saint Ambrose is 7 December. There are many religious celebrations and fairs held at this time. Oh bej! Oh bej! (literally meaning 'how beautiful') is the name given to the street fair around the Basillica di Sant'Ambroglo
  • For information on Saint Ambrose: Click here

Festivals in Bergamo

• Bergamo Tourist Information
  e-mail
  
• Festival Michelangeli: Held annually between April and June, this piano festival is dedicated to Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, a renowned Brescian muscian. The theme of the festival changes each year and there are concerts held in Bergamo and Brescia. Classical orchestras compete for the Michelangeli Prize, which is awarded to those who have made the most impressive contribution to classical music

Festivals in Brescia

• Brescia Tourist Information
  Tel: 030 240 0835
  
• Millemiglia: This vintage car rally is held annually in May. It involves a two-day race to Rome and back again
• Festival Michelangeli: Held annually between April and June, this piano festival is dedicated to Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, a renowned Brescian musician. The theme of the festival changes each year and there are concerts held in Bergamo and Brescia. Classical orchestras compete for the Michelangeli Prize which is awarded to those who have made the most impressive contribution to classical music
• Carnevale di Bagolino: Bagolino's annual carnival in February, involving street dancing and music. The costumes are brightly coloured and traditional to the mountain region
  • For more information: Click here
• Festival di Santa Giulia: A celebration of the arts, crafts, traditions and culture of Lombardy, held in June
• Musiche dal Mondo: Annual festival in celebration of world-wide music and culture
• Centomiglia: Sailing regatta on Lake Garda in September
  • Centomiglia

Festivals in Como

• Como Tourist Office
  Tel: 031 269 712
  
• Sangra de San Giovanni: Literally the Feast of San Giovanni, this festival takes place in the last week of June. It involves traditional folk art and world charms. Lake Como is illuminated by floating lights and there is a firework display as the festival draws to a close
• Palio del Baradello: A re-enactment of the fighting between the people of the region and Roman Emperor Frederico I di Svevia, il Barbarossa
  • Palio del Baradello (in Italian)
• Palio Remiero del Lario: The annual rowing competition held in September

Festivals in Cremona

• Cremona Tourist Information
  At: Piazza del Comune 5, 26100 Cremona
  Tel: 0372 23 233
• La Festa del Torrone: A festival dedicated to nougat (torrone) held at the end of October. It includes a re-enactment of the marriage of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti, at which it was first tasted in 1441
  • For the Festa del Torrone website: Click here

Festivals in Lecco

• Lecco Tourist Office
  Tel: 0341 295 720
  
• Folklore Festival: An October festival, where the local people dress in traditional costumes and parade in the streets

Festivals in Lodi

• Lodi Tourist Office
  Tel: 0371 421 391
  
• Palio dei Rioni: An October festival in the Piazza della Vittoria, where local residents gather to compete in an iron horse race, organised by the Club Wasken Boys

Festivals in Mantua

• Mantua Tourist Office
  Tel: 0376 432 432
  
• Chicco Ostiglia: Chefs compete to produce the best rice dishes at this Rice Festival. A celebrity from the world of cooking judges the winner. Tours of the rice road are also arranged

Festivals in Monza and Brianza

• Formula 1 Motor Racing: Racing events are frequently held at the tracks in Monza. This includes the Formula 1 Grand Prix, which takes place in September
  • For information and dates of racing events, see the Autodromo Nazionale Monza website: Click here
• Brianza Open Festivals: Jazz festivals in Brianza take place in the winter and spring months

Festivals in Pavia

• Pavia Tourist Office
  Tel: 0382 597 010
  
• Festa del Ticino: a cultural and sports festival that lasts for one week in September featuring musical concerts, exhibitions, tours, late shopping, food and wine
• Fiera del Tartufo, del Miele delle Produzione Agricole dell'Oltrepo Pavese: a celebration of truffles, honey and local agricultural products, held in November

Festivals in Sondrio

• Sondrio Tourist Office
  Tel: 0342 512 500
  
• Sagra di San Bello: Held in Berbenno di Valtellina in February each year, this is a medieval festival in celebration of Saint Benigno De' Medici, who founded the Monastero di Berbenno. It involves a morning procession followed by music, a feast and general festivities
  • Sagra di San Bello (in Italian)

Festivals in Varese

• Varese Tourist Office
  Tel: 0332 283 604
  
• Open Jazz: One of many music festivals in Varese, this one features jazz and other styles of music, and includes a charitable auction