Carnival traditions in Ticino

Imagine this: the streets filled with colourful confetti, joyful masks and the sound of music and laughter. In Ticino, carnival is more than a celebration – it is a way of life that brings together young and old alike, transforming the region into a vibrant spectacle of colour. Everywhere, people celebrate, dance and indulge. Ticino’s carnival is an experience for all the senses. Join the dancing, sample local specialities and let yourself be swept away by the exuberant atmosphere on Lake Maggiore!

The biggest and best-known carnival in Ticino

From Rabadan to Stranociada
The largest and most famous carnival in Ticino is Rabadan in Bellinzona, but almost every village has its own distinctive celebration. On Lake Maggiore, the most important ones include those in Locarno, Ascona and Brissago. Here are all the dates at a glance.

Festivities, dancing, celebration, noise, colour, cheerfulness and fried sweet treats: these are the key ingredients of a successful carnival in Ticino. What makes it particularly fascinating is that two different traditions coexist in Ticino: carnival in the Roman rite and – in places such as Tesserete, Brissago and in upper Ticino (Leventina, Blenio and Riviera) – carnival in the Ambrosian rite. The latter dates back to the fact that, until the 19th century, the canton belonged to the dioceses of Como and Milan. The dates are linked to Easter: Roman Carnival runs from Thursday to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, while Ambrosian Carnival lasts from Thursday to Saturday before the first Sunday of Lent.

But why is carnival celebrated in the first place? In the past, carnival was the time to indulge fully before the fasting period began. In Ticino’s predominantly rural society until the mid-20th century, this meant one thing above all: eating abundantly. On the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, animals were slaughtered for the last time, and both meat and fat had to be consumed before the start of Lent. From this custom emerged typical specialities such as Tortelli (doughnuts) and Chiacchiere (crispy carnival fritters).

Typical features of Ticino Carnival
Carnival events are usually accompanied by bingo, the Palo della Cuccagna (a type of maypole), dancing and impressive masked parades. In many places, risotto and luganighe sausages are also served during the festivities, often free of charge.

Another distinctive feature: in many towns, the festivities are officially led by the Carnival King and Queen. Only in Chiasso does the town transform itself into a “Free Republic” with a Prime Minister.

In Locarno, King Pardo II reigns during the Stranociada, whose name says it all: the night when no one sleeps. Traditionally, everything begins on Friday evening with Guggen music concerts, followed at one o’clock in the morning by the prize-giving ceremony and the parade on Piazza San Antonino. On Saturday, everyone gathers for risotto.

In Ascona, where carnival is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, masked figures parade through the village and along the lakeside promenade. The festival is particularly famous for the free risotto served on the lakeside piazza – a highlight for locals and visitors alike.

In Brissago, where carnival is celebrated according to the Ambrosian rite, the Carnival of King Pitoc keeps many old traditions alive: children announce the start of the festivities by going from house to house, and the celebrations end on the first Sunday of Lent with the burning of a straw effigy.

These are just a few examples of the many carnival events held throughout the region. For the sociable people of Ticino, the rule is simple: the more festivities, the better. Join the celebration!