The historic Christmas markets in Milan, this year, of course, will not be there. And even if it couldn't have been otherwise, it is a very sad time for the city. Here we tell you why
They are officially called Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, but perhaps not even the real Milanese – assuming they still exist – would know how to correctly spell their name ("staccato or obejobej? ").
Be that as it may, let's talk about the historic Christmas markets in Milan, which are held every year on the days of Patron Saint Sant'Ambrogio (6-8 December). Every year except this one, of course: the event was in fact canceled due to the ongoing health emergency and it could not be otherwise. However, this is a very sad time for the city, as the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! they have always been a much loved event, which attracts many people, and whose origin dates back to 1510.
But why are these markets called that, Oh Bej! Oh Bej? The name refers to an episode in the history of Milan, namely the arrival in the city of Giannetto Castiglione, sent by Pope Pius IV in 1510 to ingratiate himself with the affection of the Milanese faithful. To accomplish his mission, Castiglione used a method as ancient as it was effective, that is to distribute packs full of sweets and games to the smaller population of Milan. How did the children react to the sight of all those trinkets? But happily exclaiming: "How beautiful, how beautiful!", Which in the Milanese dialect sounds precisely:Oh Bej Oh Bej".
Originally, the party that since 2006 takes place in the new pedestrian area of Bonaparte Forum (around Sforzesco Castle), was held in the current Piazza dei Mercanti, adjacent to Piazza Duomo. While in the 1886 was moved near the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, where it remained until 2006.
Of course, once upon a time the fair that today was devoted to the (more) classic souvenir stalls, exhibited above all typical products of gastronomy, such as chestnuts, mustard and traditional firon, sort of skewered chestnut braids. But it still remained in the hearts of many Milanese and not. And even if Milan is on great Milan, as even the president of the EU Commission repeated Ursula Von Der Leyen, Milan is even a little sad, especially this year.
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