Carnival in Canton Ticino is one of the most heartfelt cultural and popular celebrations of the year: a period when towns and cities transform into stages full of color, music, traditions, and social gatherings. From the historic city centers to village squares, every corner of the canton comes alive with parades, masks, guggenmusik bands, and festivities that involve both adults and children in a collective atmosphere of joy lasting weeks. Ticino’s Carnival is truly a community ritual, blending ancient traditions with moments of fun, making this region one of the top destinations for those who want to fully immerse themselves in this unique celebration.
In this guide, you will find all the main Carnival 2026 events in Ticino, with details on dates, costs, and key highlights, so you can enjoy the events of your choice without a worry – Quokka style!
Enjoy the read!
Bellinzona – Rabadan: February 12–17, 2026
The Rabadan in Bellinzona is the most iconic carnival in the region, with over 150 years of history, turning the city into a lively “kingdom of celebration.” The event takes place in the historic center with a packed calendar: it kicks off on Thursday, February 12 at 12:00, with the traditional Key Handover to King Rabadan, officially opening the festivities.
On Friday, February 13, the carnival welcomes families and children with a masked parade of local primary and nursery schools, while Saturday, February 14 is dedicated to performances by guggenmusik bands, whose colorful fanfares fill the streets and squares.
The highlight is Sunday, February 15, with the Grand Masked Parade starting in the early afternoon (around 13:30), featuring thousands of participants, floats, music groups, and masks from across the canton and beyond. In addition to the parade, streets host competitions for the best mask, tug-of-war contests, entertainment, and dozens of festive tents where you can eat, drink, and dance late into the night.
Opening hours generally run from 12:00 to 04:00 on Thursday, and in the following days, music and festivities often continue until 05:00 in the main tents.
A weekly pass is required to attend the full carnival: in 2026, prices are CHF 70 in regular presale and CHF 80 at the door. Early online purchase is recommended to save money and skip the queues. Official information and ticketing are available at https://www.rabadan.ch/ or via the presale portal https://rabadan-tickets.ch/.
Sources: Ticino Turismo
Chiasso – Nebiopoli Carnival: January 28 – February 1, 2026
The Chiasso Nebiopoli Carnival is a border-town celebration that transforms the city into a “Free Republic” of satire, music, and fun from January 28 to February 1. The event features parades, shows, and evening activities in the Nebiopoli Village, a central area where the carnival atmosphere lasts late into the night with street food, music, and entertainment.
Not-to-be-missed moments include the children’s parade on Friday, January 30 (free) and the masked parade on Saturday, January 31 at 14:00, which requires tickets (CHF 12 adults, CHF 5 children, free under 5 years old).
Evening events have variable pricing: Wednesday free, Thursday CHF 10, Friday CHF 15, Saturday CHF 30, and Saturday parade + evening CHF 35. A three-evening pass is also available for CHF 40, which includes regional public transport during the valid period.
Official website: https://www.nebiopoli.ch/
Locarno – La Stranociada: January 29 – February 1, 2026
In the heart of Locarno’s Old Town, from January 29 to February 1, the Stranociada returns, a carnival that combines popular festivities with community-run events. The first evening on Thursday (Stracenada, new in 2026) is a more informal gathering with dinner and bingo, while the main celebrations take place on Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31, with guggenmusik, shows, and mask parades.
Entry fees are CHF 20 for Friday, CHF 30 for Saturday, or CHF 45 for a two-evening pass. These evenings are generally for ages 16+ and feature music and entertainment until the early hours.
The closing Sunday, called Strarisotada, runs from 10:00 to 16:00 in Piazza Grande, with music, festivities, and the traditional risotto with sausage (CHF 6 per portion) accompanied by fanfare bands and a warm community atmosphere.
Full program and updates: https://www.stranociada.ch/
Sources: Ascona-Locarno
Mendrisio – “Il Dormiglione” Carnival: February 12–17, 2026
Mendrisio celebrates Carnival with its “Il Dormiglione” events, starting Thursday, February 12 with the inauguration ceremony and continuing throughout the week. This celebration is characterized by strong community involvement, with traditional meals, afternoon entertainment for families, and live music, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Many events are free or with a symbolic contribution, offering a more relaxed and traditional experience compared to the larger city carnivals.
Sources: Mendrisio.ch
Other Smaller Carnivals in Ticino
Beyond the main events, Carnival is celebrated in many towns and villages, often following the Ambrosian tradition that continues past Shrove Tuesday.
In February 2026, small-town carnivals will take place in Arbedo, Pianezzo, Gorduno, Chironico, Sobrio, Ponto Valentino, and Dongio, each with its own style and local traditions. These smaller events are ideal for those seeking a more authentic and peaceful experience, with community risottos, children’s games, mask competitions, and spontaneous music.
Extra – Schignano Carnival (Lake Como)
For a famous carnival just across the border, the Schignano Carnival on Lake Como (Val d’Intelvi) is one of Northern Italy’s best-known celebrations. The 2026 edition begins Sunday, February 8 with a children’s parade at 13:30 from Piazza San Giovanni in Occagno, featuring traditional masks and children’s costumes, with sweet treats and hot chocolate at the end.
The main celebrations take place Saturday, February 14 and Tuesday, February 17, with parades starting at 14:00, crossing the village and its hamlets, showcasing the iconic Brut and Mascarun masks. On Shrove Tuesday, the festival concludes with the “fuga del Carlisepp”, a puppet representing Carnival, which is then burned in the traditional bonfire, followed by music, dancing, and local dishes served by village associations.
Full program: https://carnevaledischignano.it/programma/
Celebrate Carnival with Quokka 360
Whatever your plan for Carnival 2026, Quokka 360 apartments are the ideal base: enjoy every parade, mask, and festivity stress-free, staying in our properties in Locarno, Bellinzona, Lugano, Mendrisiotto, Como Centro and Como Lago. Book your Carnival getaway now with Quokka 360!
