There are several carnival events, including parades of groups and floats, held in Valtellina: from the Carnevàl di Mat in Bormio to the Carneval Vecc in Grosio, both among the most folkloristic and popular events with the public, passing through the Carneval del Rio in Sondalo, the Carnevale dei Ragazzi in Sondrio and many others.
The Carnevale dei Ragazzi in Sondrio, Saturday, February 14th
The Sondrio parade will be opened by the King and Queen proclaimed for 2025.
It will depart at 3:00 PM from the Salesian courtyard on Via Don Bosco, continuing along Via Piazzi, Piazza Campello, and Corso Italia, all the way to Piazza Garibaldi, where a large stage will be set up.
The celebration will run from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, culminating in the musical performance. A new addition will be the presence of two marching bands, traveling musical groups that will perform during the parade and on the stage in Piazza Garibaldi.
From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, street food stands will be available in Piazza Campello.
Carnevàl di Mat in Bormio: Sunday, February 15, 2026
In Bormio, on Carnival Day, the Mayor cedes his place to the Podestà dei Mat (crazy people). The ceremony is completed with an official coronation. At this point, anarchy reigns, or rather, power passes into the hands of Harlequin and the Company dei Mat, who publicly read out all the citizens' gossip and complaints. The day also includes a parade through the streets of the historic center led by the Harlequins, with children escorting the Podestà. For more information, click here.
Carneval Vecc in Grosio: Sunday, March 22, 2026
In Grosio, Carnival is celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent and features the old masks as the undisputed protagonists of an event that deserves to be fully experienced: from the couple of Magra Quaresima and Carneval Vecc - a thin old woman dressed in rags and a ruddy, well-fed gentleman - to popular costumes including the Bear and his Companion, the old Bernarda carrying a baby in a basket, and Toni the Jester, Grosio's Harlequin. This parade is also accompanied by floats that often depict important moments in the village's life.
The other Carnival celebrations
Madesimo celebrates Carnival on February 14th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The theme is Olympics, and so it will be Carnevalimpiadi (Carneval Olympics). Children aged 3 and up can test their skills in the fun-filled "Carnevalimpic" disciplines: snow games designed for everyone, where even the littlest ones can participate with the help of their parents. Friendly "coaches" await you from 4:00 PM, ready to get you running, playing, and having non-stop fun. There's only one fundamental rule: a mask is mandatory! There will be a baby dance and a prize for the best mask. For more information, click here.
Chiavenna hosts the traditional "Coriandolo" parade through the streets of the historic center on Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th. The main event includes masks, games, and family entertainment on Saturday afternoon, followed by the traditional parade and competition for the best mask on Sunday.
Morbegno is hosting a two-day Carnival celebration on February 14th and 15th: colors, music, floats, shows, tradition, and lots of fun.
Saturday: Children's Carnival from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the oratory.
Sunday: A grand parade through the streets of the town center, starting at 2:30 PM in Piazza Sant'Antonio with juggling shows and a raffle with prizes. For more information, click here.
In Tirano, the program of the Grand Carnival Tiranes is being finalized.
- Il Podestà dei Mat, celebrato il giorno di Carnevale a Bormio
- Il Carneval Vecc di Grosio
