Laveno Carnival
Edition 2026 Street arts Gastronomy Folk traditions

Laveno Carnival

Daytime and nighttime parades on the shores of Lake Maggiore

Laveno-Mombello — Varese (012)
Dates 17 Feb โ€” 21 Feb 2026
Location Laveno-Mombello (012)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Laveno Carnival

The Laveno Carnival doubles up and returns at night too: in Laveno-Mombello, on the Lombard shores of Lake Maggiore, the masked festival offers the big Saturday daytime parade and the evocative return of the Thursday nighttime parade, with illuminated floats and costumed groups. Among the children's costume contest, lake and mountain gastronomy, and a special surprise, it's a Carnival that involves families and children, part of the Varesotto Carnival in Tour circuit and organized by the local Pro Loco.

Carnival on Lake Maggiore

In Laveno-Mombello, in the Province of Varese, overlooking the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, the Laveno Carnival is a deeply felt celebration that colors the town center every year. Organized by the Pro Loco Laveno Mombello Cerro with the patronage of the Municipality, it is part of the traveling circuit Carnevale in Tour.

Carnival Doubles Up

The novelty that makes this Carnival special is the return of the nighttime parade: in addition to the traditional Saturday afternoon daytime parade, on Thursday evening the town comes alive with a nighttime procession of illuminated floats and costumed groups, in a magical and evocative atmosphere. A double occasion for celebration that expands the event's program and appeal.

Costumes, Gastronomy, and Surprises

The main Saturday parade focuses on families and children, with the traditional "mascherine" (little masks) contest judged by artists. There is no shortage of gastronomy: sandwiches, sausages, fries, and Bavarian beer for Thursday evening, polenta, lentil dishes, and fritters for Saturday. A special surprise completes the program in Piazza Matteotti.

A Lakeside Village to Experience

Laveno-Mombello is one of the pearls of the Lombard Lake Maggiore, also famous for its panoramic cable car to Sasso del Ferro. The Laveno Carnival is the ideal opportunity to discover the town in a festive atmosphere, amidst confetti, illuminated floats, and local specialties.

Laveno Carnival โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 Laveno Carnival takes place on February 17, 19, and 21 in Laveno-Mombello. The program includes an afternoon with the Menotti Bassani Foundation (February 17), the return of the nighttime parade with illuminated floats (Thursday, February 19, 8:30 PM), and the grand main parade dedicated to families and children with the costume contest (Saturday, February 21, 3:00 PM).

The 2026 Laveno Carnival enlivens Laveno-Mombello over three days: February 17, 19, and 21. On Tuesday the 17th, the afternoon is dedicated to guests of the Menotti Bassani Foundation Onlus with the Asia Dance Company.

On Thursday the 19th, the historic nighttime parade returns at 8:30 PM, featuring illuminated floats and costumed groups. On Saturday the 21st, the grand main parade starts at 3:00 PM, focusing on families and children with a costume contest judged by artists. A special surprise is planned in Piazza Matteotti.

Programme Laveno Carnival 2026

Tuesday, February 17

  • Afternoon dedicated to guests of the Menotti Bassani Foundation Onlus with the Asia Dance Company

Thursday, February 19 โ€” Night Parade

  • 8:30 PM โ€” Night procession with illuminated floats and costumed groups
  • Gastronomy: sandwiches, sausages, fries, and Bavarian beer

Saturday, February 21 โ€” Main Parade

  • 3:00 PM โ€” Grand parade dedicated to families and children, with the costume contest judged by artists
  • Special surprise in Piazza Matteotti
  • Gastronomy: polenta with various toppings, lentils with sausage, fritters

Highlights Laveno Carnival 2026

The return of the Thursday nighttime parade with illuminated floats and the grand Saturday parade with the children's costume contest.

Prices Laveno Carnival 2026

<p>Free admission to the parades. Food stalls available for a fee.</p>

Practical information — Laveno Carnival

How to Get There

Laveno-Mombello is located on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, in the Province of Varese. By car, it can be reached from the SS629; it is connected to Milan and Varese by train lines. The ferry connects Laveno to Intra. The festival takes place in the center, with hubs in Piazza Caduti del Lavoro.

Times and Admission

The Thursday nighttime parade starts at 8:30 PM, the main Saturday parade at 3:00 PM. Admission is free. Food stalls are available for a fee during the evenings.

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Where does it take place โ€” Laveno Carnival

Centro di Laveno-Mombello

Piazza Caduti del Lavoro, 21014 Laveno-Mombello

Laveno Carnival in brief

Street arts Gastronomy Folk traditions Folklore Children Outdoor Night Free Varese

History of Laveno Carnival