One of the key elements that shape the unique character of Milan is the temporary events scattered throughout its streets. These events are not confined to renowned occasions like fashion, design, or architecture festivals, but are woven into the daily fabric of life across various neighborhoods. A quintessential example of this is the “Mercato,” the traditional street market that has existed in most Italian cities for centuries. These markets are vibrant hubs where people from different nationalities come together to sell, buy, eat, and socialize.

What makes these markets especially interesting is their transient nature—like immigrants themselves, they move from one part of the city to another. This form of "migration" brings life and energy to the streets, transforming them into spaces not just for shopping but for community interaction. The atmosphere they create invites people to pause, engage, and connect with diverse cultures, far beyond the simple act of buying groceries.

One particular market that captures this spirit is the one in Via Valvassori Peroni, a long, wide street near the Politecnico di Milano’s Leonardo campus. Stepping into this market feels like entering a new world—just like stepping through Narnia’s wardrobe. The variety of foods, drinks, and faces from different nationalities turns an ordinary street into a place brimming with excitement and discovery. These "invisible streets" of Milan, which seem to migrate like the markets themselves, offer an experience so captivating that, once you’ve entered, you never want to leave.