The fair of "Oh Bej Oh Bej”, one of the oldest traditions of Milan, returns from 7 to 12 December in the magnificent scenery of the Castello Sforzesco. It is one of the oldest events in the Milanese Christmas tradition which is intertwined with the feast of the patron saint Sant'Ambrogio and with the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
The Oh Bej Fair Oh Bej
According to some historical sources, the origins of the popular event date back to 1288; according to others, the fair was born around 1510 with the arrival in the city of Giannetto Castiglione, the first Grand Master of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. Castiglione had been commissioned by Pope Pius IV to go to Milan, in an attempt to revive the devotion and faith of the Milanese towards the saints and the Church.
And here, then, is the fair it has become a highly anticipated appointment that has defied the centuries and fashions. The name (in Italian Oh belli Oh belli) derives from the exclamations of joy of the Milanese children who gladly accepted the gifts of the papal messenger sent to the city.
The taste and scent of tradition
The fair is not the typical "Christmas market" but an opportunity for the Milanese to rediscover the scent and flavor of popular history, of authentic tradition and also of the genuineness of typical products. On display are stalls with Italian and foreign handicrafts; there is no shortage of purely Christmas gifts and also the delicacies of the Milanese and 'lumbard' culinary art in general. All this inside the large manor house, the imposing one Castello Sforzesco which fascinates and enchants anyone who still visits it. So, if you are in Milan these days, don't miss the taste of reliving a piece of popular culture with Oh Bej Oh Bej.
