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At the center of everything stands Duomo di Milano, a cathedral so grand that it looks almost sculpted from ice. Its marble spires rise into the pale sky, catching the soft winter light and radiating a calm that sets the tone for the days ahead.
The Duomo is not only a symbol of Milan. For many, it is the heart that anchors the city’s memories. In January, when families, locals, and visitors gather for seasonal celebrations, the cathedral becomes a natural meeting point, a place where traditions unfold and Milan’s rich heritage comes forward.
On January 6th, Milan honors one of its oldest and most heartfelt traditions: the Corteo dei Re Magi. This centuries old procession celebrates the journey of the Three Wise Kings who followed the star to Bethlehem. What makes the Milanese version special is the communal spirit behind it. Entire neighborhoods participate, families line the streets, and the event becomes both a cultural display and a shared moment of reflection.
The corteo begins near the Duomo, where the costumed figures of Melchiorre, Gaspare, and Baldassarre assemble with their retinue. Musicians, flag bearers, and performers join the path, creating a colorful procession that moves slowly and purposefully through the historic center. The crowd follows, forming a vibrant river of people flowing past iconic sites and beloved Milanese landmarks.
Along the route, traditional scenes are reenacted. The Columns of San Lorenzo become a gathering point for a symbolic encounter between the Wise Kings and King Herod. The procession then continues toward the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, a church long associated with the relics of the Magi. Whether or not someone participates for faith, tradition, curiosity, or simply the love of community, the corteo offers a rare chance to watch history walk through the present.
It is a celebration that bridges centuries. A reminder of how stories live on when people choose to keep them alive.
It is impossible to speak of Milan without giving the Duomo its own moment of admiration. In winter, its presence feels even more captivating. The cathedral’s white Candoglia marble reflects the cool January light, making the entire façade appear to glow. Its 135 spires rise with delicate precision, while statues watch silently from above.
During the Epiphany season, the piazza surrounding the Duomo fills with visitors and locals sharing warm pastries, taking photos, or simply standing still long enough to take in the cathedral’s breathtaking scale. The contrast of modern city life moving around it only strengthens the sense that the Duomo is a timeless guardian. It has witnessed cheerful crowds, processions, and traditions like the Corteo dei Re Magi for generations.
It is a place where stories begin, where celebrations gather, and where the beauty of Milan feels most alive.
If the corteo represents Milan’s historical heart, panettone represents its culinary soul. Originating in Milan, panettone is far more than a holiday dessert. It is a ritual, a seasonal gift, and a symbol of joy shared across tables during Christmas and the early days of the new year.
Panettone’s signature dome shape and golden, airy crumb make it instantly recognizable. Inside, pockets of raisins and candied citrus create a balanced sweetness that feels warm and comforting in winter. Bakeries all across Milan spend months perfecting their dough, letting it rise naturally and slowly. The result is a soft, cloud like texture that melts on the palate.
Families often save a final slice of panettone for January 6th to enjoy after the corteo or with an afternoon espresso. Some toast it lightly. Others pair it with mascarpone cream. However it is served, panettone speaks to the Milanese belief that food carries memory, emotion, and tradition.
These three elements of Milan’s January season - the Corteo dei Re Magi, the Duomo, and panettone - remind us that traditions thrive when we honor them with presence and intention. They highlight the beauty of gathering, sharing, and slowing down long enough to appreciate the stories behind what we see and taste.
At DaTerra Cucina, we believe this same spirit belongs in every home kitchen. Cooking becomes more meaningful when it connects us to culture, to moments of comfort, and to the people we cook for. Whether you are enjoying panettone with family or preparing a warm winter dish, these moments are the heart of why we gather around the table.
As Milan wraps its holiday season in color, music, and sweetness, it offers a soft reminder: Tradition is not only something we witness. It is something we carry.