Milan Italy's Annual Cultural and Film Events
Art, Music, Dance and Theater Festivals in Northern Italy’s Capital
Sep 10, 2009
Milan is not just the financial and economic center of Italy, it is the cultural capital of the north. A full schedule of annual arts events adds to an already busy calendar of fashion and sports.
Spring Cultural Events in Milan
The third weekend in March offer a chance to visit privately-owned historic buildings, which are opened to the public as part of the annual Oggi Aperto. Also in March is the Milano International Independent Film Festival, honoring the works of independent film-makers from all over the world. For several weeks, theater venues around the city show ground-breaking cinema.
Mid-April begins the Notturni in Villa, a series of outdoor concerts at the Villa Simonetta, on Via Stilicone, and the Villa Litta on Viale Affori. Sponsored by the Associazione Amici della Musica, (tel 02 8912 2383), the festival continues through August.
In May, Short Formats Festival is a dance competition held at the Palazzo d’Arte as a part of Triennale di Milano (tel 02 724 341). On a Sunday in mid-May,Milano Cortili Aperti (Milan Open Courtyards)opens the inner courtyards of private residences for public viewing, from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. It’s sponsored by the Associazione Dimore Storiche (tel 02 7631 8634). Later in the month, Pittori Sul Naviglio brings art exhibits all along the Naviglio canal.
Summer Events in Milan
In June the Naviglio canal blossoms with Festa del Naviglio a festival of concerts, colorful processions, art and craft exhibits, sports, local foods and an antique market that stretches along the canals of the lively Naviglio neighborhood. Milano d'Estate begins in June, with public concerts in Parco Sempione and theater and dance performances at venues throughout the city. Open-air restaurants fill Piazza del Cannone, at the Castello Sforzesco. The festival lasts though August. Not much else happens in August, when the Milanese decamp to cooler locations for the month and nearly everything in the city closes.
Milano’s Fall Festivals
September brings films from the Venice Film Festival, shown at theaters throughout the city, part of Le Vie del Cinema (Ways of the Cinema), and along with it, the Milano Film Festival.This spotlights short and feature films by young and experimental film-makers from all over the world.
September is also the beginning of Musica e Poesia a San Maurizio, a festival ofmusic and poetry at St. Maurizio Church and beyond. Organ concerts are scheduled in the city’s many outstanding churches until December, when the festival ends with Christmas concerts. Throughout October, Festival Milano features contemporary music, dance and theater, along with new media performances.
La Scala Opens in December
December begins the serious social season, with the opening of La Scala Opera on December 7. This is the highlight for Milan’s high society and everyone who is anyone makes sure to be seen there. The piazza in front of the Basilica of San Ambrosio holds the annual Christmas Market from mid-December through Christmas Eve. The market is a riot of Italian food, crafts and street performers, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
Music in All Seasons
At any time of year, check the calendar of events available at te Tourist Office opposite the Duomo for concerts in churches throughout Milan.
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