On February 17, 2026, we officially enteredthe Year of the Horse, which according to Chinese tradition marks a period of energy, dynamism, and rapid change, often favorable to those with courage and initiative. In China, and beyond, celebrations began weeks ago, with red decorations, lanterns, dances, parades, and amazing shows. In Milan, however, nothing so striking has been seen, or so it seems.
Due to the Olympics, the historic Chinese New Year parade has been postponed for a few weeks to ensure it gets the space and attention it deserves. Between the end of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the start of the 2026 Winter Paralympics, the city will celebrate the new year with a parade that promises to be sensational, featuring dragons and traditional costumes.
Where and when will the 2026 Chinese New Year parade be held in Milan?
The famous parade will be held on Sunday, March 1, in Piazza Sempione, right in front ofthe Arco della Pace. It will begin around 2:00 p.m., with institutional greetings preceding the famous dragon dance and incredible martial arts performances. A large crowd is expected, with a maximum of about 15,000 people authorized to enter the restricted area, which will be subject to various security checks. Access to the parade will be completely free from Corso Sempione and Via Pagano.
Chinese New Year 2026: what to do in Milan?
During these weeks, there are various activities around Milan celebrating Chinese culture. For example, on Sunday, February 22, at the Temple of the Lost Future, there will be workshops, music, and shows, as well as stalls selling delicious food, which can also be found in Via Paolo Sarpi throughout the day on March 1.
On Saturday, February 21, at the Parco Center in Via Binda 30, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., anyone who wants to can learn more about the art of tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and Chinese knots. Finally, on March 3, in the Paolo Sarpi area, the traditional Lantern Festival ceremony awaits you, where hundreds of red paper lanterns will be launched into the Milan sky.