Two of the most characteristic and traditional Carnivals in Valtellina are the Carnevàl di Mat (Carnival of Fools) in Bormio and the Carneval Vecc (Old Carnival) in Grosio; furthermore, there are many other events not to be missed!
The Carnevàl di Mat of Bormio - from February 14th to March 4th 2025
On Carnival day in Bormio, the Mayor hands the reins over to the Podestà
del Mat (King of Fools) after the Podestà is officially crowned. Then all
havoc breaks loose and anarchy reins, or rather, power is assumed by
Harlequin and the Compagnia di Mat (the Band of Fools), who give a public
reading of the gossip and complaints of the citizens taken from a post box set
up for that purpose in the exquisite historic Piazza del Kuerc. Other
activities include a parade through the historic centre led by the Harlequins,
with children escorting the Podestà. Click here for more details
The Carneval Vecc of Grosio
The town of Grosio celebrates Carnival on the first Sunday of Lent. This date is highly symbolic, because while everyone else has already started their Lenten sacrifices, Grosio enjoys one last moment of irreverent euphoria. Ancient masks are the true protagonists of this Carnival that is definitely worth experiencing. The masks of Grosio’s own Carnival characters are worn by the same honoured few people each year in a tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. First in the line-up is the couple of Magra Quaresima – a skinny old lady in rags – and Carneval Vecc – a plump, ruddy-faced gentleman – in an allegory of the passage from the merrymaking of Carnival to the solemnity of Lent. Next come other popular characters such as the Bear and its Mistress; the old woman Bernarda carrying in a wicker basket on her back; a Suckling Child who sprays the crowd with wine from his baby bottle; and Toni the Buffoon, who is the Harlequin of Grosio. Naturally, the parade also features a host of satirical and fairy-tale floats, many of which narrate key events from Grosio’s past.
On Sunday February 23rd Sondrio celebrates the Carnevale dei Ragazzi (clicca qui per maggiori dettagli) with a rich program of activities and with the traditional floats parade through the town.
The 7th edition of the Carnival del Rio will take place in Sondalo on Sunday 23 February with, starting from 1pm (meeting at the parcheggio Palù car park), the parade of floats and masked groups, themed games for the little ones, the street artists Mr. Task and Lunaridens, with shows on stilts, fire and magical juggling and finally lots of music.
In Chiavenna the traditional parade "Coriandolo" will take place through the streets of the historical center.
Madesimo celebrates Carnival in Piazza Bertacchi.
Pro Loco Morbegno organizes on the first March weekend “Morbegno Carneval 2025” with two events on March 1st and 2nd: Saturday will be dedicated to children, while the traditional parade will take place on Sunday though the streets in the town's center. A rich ruffle will also animate the celebration day. (clicca qui per maggiori dettagli)
