Carnevale Ambrosiano

Lent comes late to Milan, with Carnevale held on the Saturday that falls after everyone else's frantic Fat Tuesday. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, St Ambrose, it's said his delayed arrival led to the festival's postponement. Now it's an excuse for festivities and stuffing yourself with fried doughy sweets, such as crunchy chiacchiere or custard-filled tortelli.