EVENT SUSPENDED

Sondalo is preparing to dress up in colors, music, and emotions to welcome one of the most anticipated and loved events of the year: the eighth edition of Carneval del Rio. A festival that is not just an event, but a true moment of sharing, capable of transforming the streets of the town into an explosion of joy, creativity, and smiles.

The appointment is for Sunday, February 8, with a meeting at 1:00 PM at the Palù parking lot, from where the great parade will begin, crossing the heart of Sondalo. An afternoon in which tradition and spectacle intertwine, leaving space for that healthy madness that makes Carnevale so special. The 2026 edition will be even more symbolic: the theme will be inspired by the spirit of the five rings, celebrating sports, creativity, and Olympic-themed performances, to celebrate the beginning of the Olympics that will also involve the Alta Valtellina area.

5 allegorical floats and 5 masked groups are ready to amaze; the themes of the creations will remain secrets until the moment of the parade, to keep the anticipation alive and gift the audience all the magic of surprise. A special jury will evaluate them, chaired this year by Valentina Demonti, an artist and decorator from Valdisotto, who will be tasked with declaring the best floats and masked groups.

The program will be very rich, with beloved confirmations and new discoveries:
the day will be animated by the spectacular stilt shows of Luca and Stefano from "Freak Out", while as always the parade will be opened by the Bandainsieme Sondalo. Special guests of the event will be the historic masks of Carneval Vecc from Grosio, guardians of a tradition that continues to evoke emotions.

The flavors of Carnevale will not be missed, thanks to the gastronomic stand with the unmissable chiacchiere and apple fritters, prepared on the spot by the Gruppo Alpini Sondalo, along with the chiacchiere from APF Valtellina – Centro Vallesana di Sondalo. Great attention will also be given to the little ones, with a Carneval-Kids area dedicated to them, animated by the Gruppo Animando.

During the afternoon, there will also be the reading of the compositions, the awards for the categories of floats, masked groups, and small groups, the lottery draw of Carneval del Rio, and the opening of the social contest. All accompanied by the music and energy of the DJ set by DJ Fede, who will make the audience dance before, during, and after the parade.

The invitation is really open to everyone: big and small, spectators and participants, citizens of Sondalo and neighboring towns. Registrations for small groups are still open, and it will be possible to register even before the parade begins.

In Sondalo, Carnevale is not just a party: it is a way of being together, of laughing, of creating memories. One smile at a time.

APT Sondalo and Li Simenza Giovani Sondalo