The Last Ride: Milan’s Luna Park Transition
Ah, Milan! Known for its fashion, food, and, apparently, an impending Midway migration! Yes, folks, hold onto your cotton candy because the city’s beloved Luna Park of the Ambrosian Carnival is swapping its home in Sempione Park for a less central, yet apparently very chic spot — Via San Romanello. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, pack those funhouse mirrors; we’re going on a field trip!
2025: A Year to Remember (or Forget?)
It’s 2025 that the council’s brigade, under the dapper leadership of Mayor Giuseppe Sala, has dubbed as the final year for Luna Park’s reign at its picturesque location in Piazza del Cannone. Why? Because who wouldn’t want their Ferris wheels a solid distance away from the historic sights and greenery? The new address, essentially light-years away from Milan’s glittering core, will most probably require GPS and a couple of snack breaks to reach.
Why the Move?
The city, it seems, has a grand plan—one that includes a treasure map leading directly to Via San Romanello. But the whimsical wonderland of roller coasters and delightfully terrifying clowns isn’t quite ready to unpack its bags just yet. An inspection revealed that the site is a whopping 12,700 square meters of construction chaos waiting to happen! Turns out, when you think of an amusement park, it’s wise to check if the ground isn’t just a field of dreams gone wrong.
The Two Million Euro Baby
With a projected cost of around two million euros, the proposed changes include everything from enhanced drainage systems to electrical upgrades, because who wouldn’t want their thrill rides electrified? And let’s not forget the construction of toilets—phew! Say goodbye to those portable clunkers! And, of course, they’re also throwing in a few parking spots, because riding a carousel isn’t fun when you have to walk three hours from your car. Honestly, it sounds like an expensive game of “Let’s get this circus into shape!”
Carnies vs. Council
In a dramatic twist worthy of the best soap opera, the carnies *didn’t* take the news lying down. They appealed to the TAR and won! This wasn’t just a ‘no, we won’t go’ stand-off; it was a matter of protecting the green areas, as proclaimed by Environment Councilor Elena Grandi. The council had envisioned an eviction before the bells of 2025 echoed through the park, but those plans went belly-up faster than a beached whale at a carnival. I mean, who knew council meetings could be such thrillers?
The Future of Fun in Milan
When 2026 rolls around, you can expect more than just kiddie rides and popcorn in Via San Romanello. The Municipality has also decided to clear up the parking spots for the circus vehicles, specifically for those caravans and recreational vehicles, because nothing screams ‘fun’ quite like a residential caravan parked in the vicinity of an amusement park. It’s not just about keeping the clowns in check, folks; it’s about preventing a demolition derby between overpriced cotton candy stands!
In Conclusion
So, mark your calendars, folks! 2025 is shaping up to be the last hurrah for the Luna Park of the Ambrosian Carnival at its Sempione Park location. Whether it will be a glorious farewell complete with dramatic flair, or a quaint little send-off with a few clowns and…) remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: Milan is ready for a little less green space and a lot more fun space, dampness be damned!
So, what’s on the horizon? Only time (and a lot of construction work) will tell. Let’s just hope the thrill of the rides is worth the detour!
Milan – Hanno won the carnies once again, confirming their popularity, but the upcoming 2025 season will mark the last year for the Luna Park of the Ambrosian Carnival at Sempione Park, specifically located in Piazza del Cannone, nestled between the historic Sforzesco Castle and the verdant expanses of the city’s Central Park.
The current council, under the leadership of Mayor Giuseppe Sala, has already pinpointed a new location for high-quality amusement parks—those boasting at least 30 attractions, like the famed carnival Luna Park—and equestrian circuses wishing to operate in Milan. The selected site is in via San Romanello, situated in the Fifth Roman area of the city’s western suburbs, several kilometers away from the bustling central Piazza del Cannone. In an interesting development, part of the municipal district at via San Romanello has also been earmarked for the Extraordinary Plan for Housing, primarily focused on creating rental residential spaces.
While the Luna Park of the Ambrosian Carnival will continue to thrill visitors in Sempione Park throughout 2025, this choice is largely due to the fact that the area of via San Romanello is not yet equipped to accommodate amusement parks and circuses. A detailed inspection carried out last September revealed that approximately 12,700 square meters of the site requires extensive upgrades by the municipal administration before it can be utilized by operators in the Traveling Entertainment industry.
The necessary upgrades will include initiating the depaving of the site to install environmentally compliant materials that respect hydraulic invariance, such as self-locking pavement. Additionally, plans involve establishing a comprehensive system for rainwater and wastewater collection and drainage, as well as constructing a new electrical substation and improving the existing lighting. To enhance access, building an extra road entrance opposite the current one on via San Romanello for emergency exits will be critical. Essential amenities, such as toilets to replace the use of portable options and the construction of adequate parking facilities, are also part of these essential interventions. The estimated cost for these significant works is around two million euros, with an expected completion time frame of about two years. However, the city administration has explicitly stated that from 2026, the carnival amusement park will find its new home in via San Romanello. This decision follows the carnies’ successful appeal to the TAR in 2023, contesting the Municipality’s immediate eviction plan from Sempione Park under the pretext of “protecting the green area,” as claimed by Environment Councilor Elena Grandi.
With regard to the via San Romanello area, the Municipality has also decided to designate, in accordance with art. 26 of the Municipal Regulation governing public spaces for equestrian circuses and traveling shows, the vicinity of via Novara specifically for the parking of residential caravans only. This excludes trucks, trailers, and equipment from traveling shows, and is limited to operators conducting their business within the municipal borders for a duration strictly connected to the performance of their activities, including the assembly and dismantling of their attractions.
This strategic decision aims to prevent caravans and other carnival and circus vehicles from stopping in via San Romanello and via Natta, which were previously identified as potential locations for the positioning of personnel vehicles and the logistics of amusement parks and circus operations.
What are the main concerns locals have about the relocation of Luna Park to Via San Romanello?
### Interview with Daniele Rossi, local resident and Luna Park enthusiast
**Interviewer:** Hi Daniele! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about the upcoming changes to Luna Park. How do you feel about the move to Via San Romanello?
**Daniele Rossi:** Thanks for having me! Honestly, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and disappointment. The Ferris wheel and carousel at Sempione Park have always been a part of the city’s charm. Moving to Via San Romanello feels like a huge change. It’s a bit far from the heart of Milan, and I’m concerned about how that will affect the park’s accessibility.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned accessibility. Do you think the new location will deter visitors?
**Daniele Rossi:** It’s definitely a factor. Many families enjoy strolling through Sempione Park, stopping for some gelato, and then heading to the rides. Via San Romanello is more isolated and, frankly, not as picturesque. I worry that it won’t have that same carnival atmosphere.
**Interviewer:** There’s been a lot of talk about the necessary upgrades for the new site, which could cost around two million euros. Do you think the investment is worth it?
**Daniele Rossi:** In the long run, I think improvements like better drainage and facilities are essential. But it’s also a lot of money that could have went towards community projects or maintaining green spaces in the city. I guess we’ll see if it’s worth it when the park finally opens in 2026.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of community, how do you feel about the carnies winning their appeal to stay longer at Sempione Park?
**Daniele Rossi:** I fully support the carnies! They bring a lot of joy and tradition to the city. It’s great to see them fighting for their rights and for what they believe in. I think it shows how much passion people have for this beloved spot.
**Interviewer:** What are your hopes for Luna Park’s future at the new venue?
**Daniele Rossi:** I hope they can recreate the magic of Sempione Park in some way. I want it to be fun and family-friendly—where kids can run around and enjoy themselves. I’m looking forward to the new rides and attractions, but I hope they keep some traditional elements that make it feel like a true carnival!
**Interviewer:** And how will you spend your last summer at Sempione Park’s Luna Park in 2025?
**Daniele Rossi:** I plan to make the most of it! I’ll definitely take my kids to enjoy all our favorite rides one last time while we sip on cotton candy and soak in the beautiful surroundings. I want to create great memories before the big move!
**Interviewer:** That sounds wonderful, Daniele! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and we wish you the best in the upcoming changes.
**Daniele Rossi:** Thank you! Let’s hope for a smooth transition and plenty of fun ahead!
