Fun takes life, one smile at a time! On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Sondalo is ready to explode with colors, music, and imagination with the VIII edition of Carneval del Rio, the event that combines tradition, entertainment, and lots of healthy madness. The 2026 edition will celebrate the spirit of the five rings, featuring creativity and performances themed around sports, to celebrate the beginning of the Olympics, which will also involve the area of Alta Valtellina.

The winning formula remains unchanged: starting from 1:00 PM, the Parcheggio Palù – Centro Sondalo will become the beating heart of the festival with an afternoon of pure fun featuring a parade of floats and masked groups, music, entertainment, awards, a bar area, and the unmissable frittelle.

The parade will be opened by Bandainsieme Sondalo, with the special participation of the masks from Carneval Vecc di Grosio, for a perfect mix of tradition and entertainment. Accompanying the afternoon will be the music of DJ Fede, while the refreshment area will offer the famous “Chiacchiere” by APF Valtellina and the delicious apple frittelle from the Gruppo Alpini Sondalo.

Special attention will also be given to the little ones thanks to the “Carneval-Kids” area, with games and entertainment curated by the Gruppo Animando, and spectacular shows on stilts and sporting-themed performances with Luca and Stefano from “Freak Out,” for a day that is truly to be experienced.

2026 News - Prize subscription 2026: by purchasing lottery tickets at participating sales points, it will be possible to win fantastic prizes and contribute to supporting the competitions dedicated to the floats and masked groups.

Carneval del Rio is an event promoted by APT Sondalo, in collaboration with the Associazione Giovani Sondalo “Li Simenza” and other local entities. The event is open to everyone and will also serve as the 1st trial of the “Coscrittiadi Sondaline,” scheduled for September.

Registrations for floats and masked groups are open at the Infopoint APT Sondalo (by Wednesday, February 4; small group registrations are also possible on the Sunday before the parade).

For more information and the complete regulations: www.sondaloturismo.it

Prepare your best floats and costumes, smile, and let yourself be infected by the energy of Carneval del Rio... because in Sondalo, Carnival is a serious matter, but having fun is even more serious!

APT Sondalo