Ambrosian Carnival of San Donato Milanese

The Carnival That Comes Later

In San Donato Milanese, as in the entire Milan area, Carnival follows the Ambrosian rite: it is celebrated a few days later than in the rest of Italy, with Shrove Saturday instead of Tuesday. This is a peculiarity rooted in Milanese liturgical tradition, and each year it gives the city its own celebration, in the province of Milan.

A Party Designed for Children

The heart of the San Donato Carnival is the masked party for children, which enlivens the pedestrian area of Via Jannozzi. Here, the little ones, in costume, find a program tailored for them: creative workshops, baby dance, face painting, magic shows, and circus activities. A day of color and cheer, with snacks offered to all participating children.

Between School and City

The event is often linked to the Hat Festival of the Salvo D'Acquisto school, another much-loved local Carnival tradition for families. Together, these moments make the San Donato Carnival a collective event involving schools, associations, and the municipal administration.

Free Admission Fun

Promoted by the Municipality of San Donato Milanese, the local Ambrosian Carnival offers free admission. There are no monumental floats like in other cities, but a neighborhood party designed for children, where the pedestrian center becomes a large space for play and social interaction for the entire community for an afternoon.