Tresiano Carnival
The Carnival of King Guzz and Queen Piota on the Swiss border
About Tresiano Carnival
Carnival on the Border
In Lavena Ponte Tresa, in the Province of Varese, right on the border with Switzerland and overlooking Lake Lugano, the Tresiano Carnival is one of the most deeply rooted and widely attended traditions in the Varese region. Its symbolic masks, King Guzz and Queen Piota, are the beloved sovereigns who preside over the festival each year, warmly welcomed by the community.
Two Days of Festivities
The Carnival unfolds over two main days. It opens with the lighting of the royal cauldrons, games, magic, and entertainment, followed by lunch in the piazza with traditional dishes – tripe, risotto, sausages – and the official inauguration, when the mayor hands over the city keys to the reigning couple. In the afternoon, floats parade and masks are awarded, leading up to an evening dance with a DJ.
The Parade of Allegorical Floats
The highlight is the grand parade of allegorical floats, which winds through the town to Piazza Europa, concluding with the ceremony of returning the keys. Colourful floats, masked groups, and lots of music transform the streets of Lavena Ponte Tresa into a river of joy, in one of the most important carnivals in the area.
A Lakeside Village to Discover
Lavena Ponte Tresa is a charming village overlooking Lake Lugano, a crossing point between Lombardy and the Canton of Ticino. The Tresiano Carnival is the ideal opportunity to discover it in a festive atmosphere, amidst popular traditions and lakeside scenery.
Tresiano Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Tresiano Carnival enlivens Lavena Ponte Tresa on Saturday, February 14, and Tuesday, February 17, with its symbolic masks, King Guzz and Queen Piota. The festival opens with the lighting of the royal cauldrons, games, and entertainment, followed by lunch in the piazza and the official inauguration.
On Shrove Tuesday, the Carnival culminates with the parade of allegorical floats, concluding in Piazza Europa with the return of the city keys. In case of bad weather, the event may be cancelled.
Programme Tresiano Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 14
- 10:00 AM — Lighting of the royal cauldrons with games, magic, and entertainment (Orchestra I Kapatosta)
- 12:00 PM — Lunch in the piazza with tripe, risotto, and sausages
- 3:00 PM — Official inauguration: the mayor hands over the city keys to the reigning couple, followed by the parade
- 4:30 PM — Mask awards
- 7:30 PM — Evening dance with DJ Davide Falsone
Tuesday, February 17
- 11:00 AM — Lighting of the cauldrons in Piazza Europa
- 1:30 PM — Gathering of floats at Parco Hirschhorn
- 2:30 PM — Parade of allegorical floats, with the final return of the keys
Highlights Tresiano Carnival 2026
The Shrove Tuesday parade of allegorical floats, the masks of King Guzz and Queen Piota, and the evening dance with DJ.
Prices Tresiano Carnival 2026
Practical information — Tresiano Carnival
How to Get There
Lavena Ponte Tresa is located on the Swiss border, on the shores of Lake Lugano, in the Province of Varese. It can be reached by car via the SS233; it is connected to Varese by the FLP railway line. The festival takes place in the town centre and in Piazza Europa.
Times and Admission
The Carnival takes place over two days, with events running from morning to evening. Admission is free. In case of bad weather, the event may be cancelled.
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Where does it take place — Tresiano Carnival
Piazza Europa
Piazza Europa, 21037 Lavena Ponte Tresa