This summer, Milan’s Idroscalo will be taken over by thousands of floating lanterns. For the first time, Milan will host the Water Lantern Festival on July 24 and 25. Following its extraordinary success in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, this unforgettable event is finally coming to us.
The festival offers an enchanting outdoor setting, where hundreds of floating lights transform the landscape as the sun sets over the waters of the Idroscalo. Guests can enjoy music with DJ sets, delicious food from food trucks, and recreational activities, all in an atmosphere designed for reflection and connection with others.
It will be like attending the festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, without leaving the city. The ritual is at the heart of the event and allows participants to write a personal message—whether a wish, a reflection, or a thought of gratitude—before releasing the lanterns onto the water. This symbolic act invites introspection and fosters a genuine sense of fulfillment, all within a natural setting and without any negative impact on the environment.
Water Lantern Festival: an experience that will stay in your heart
During the event, hundreds of lanterns will be released onto the water carrying your best wishes and thoughts. You can write a dream, a reflection, a thank you, or any heartfelt message on your lantern; then you’ll let it go so it floats on the water’s surface.
The Water Lantern Festival is an invitation to pause, reflect, and celebrate what truly matters: the past that has made us who we are, the present to be lived to the fullest, and the future to be imagined with hope. Whether shared with those you love or experienced as a moment all your own, it will be an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
At the Water Lantern Festival, every location is left more beautiful than it was found.
Following the “leave no trace” philosophy, at the end of the event every single lantern is retrieved and the water is thoroughly cleaned of any existing debris.
The lanterns used are 100% sustainable: made of biodegradable rice paper with a wooden base, they are illuminated by recovered and recycled LED candles, helping to minimize environmental impact.
Whether to pay homage to the past, celebrate the present, or give space to dreams for the future, the Water Lantern Festival becomes the perfect setting for an evening full of emotion. An experience to share with friends and family or to enjoy as a unique and personal moment.
While you enjoy this exciting event, there will be food, drink, and music stands for the whole family. It’s a festival to bring the best vibes and celebrate with your loved ones…
Designed for audiences of all ages, the Water Lantern Festival allows you to experience a unique international tradition without leaving the city. Combining nature, reflection, and a sense of community, it brings a new cultural experience to Milan to share with family and friends.
