The 2026 edition of the Carnevale di Cannobio was an extraordinary celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and collective joy. This year, I had the honor of participating as one of the official photographers, documenting an event that once again transformed the historic streets of Cannobio into a vibrant stage of color and sound along the shores of Lake Maggiore.
From the very first parade, it was clear that this would be a remarkable edition.
Spectacular Carnival Floats: Craftsmanship at Its Finest
The carnival floats were, without question, among the most impressive I have seen. The level of detail, the scale of construction, and the originality of the themes demonstrated months of dedicated work behind the scenes.
Each float told a story. Some were playful and ironic, others visually grand and theatrical, but all shared a common denominator: extraordinary craftsmanship. The moving elements, layered structures, and bold color palettes offered endless photographic opportunities. Every angle revealed something new — a character expression, a mechanical detail, a perfectly timed interaction with the crowd.
Photographing them was both a technical and creative challenge. The dynamic environment, constantly shifting light, and dense audience required precision and anticipation. The result, however, was a series of images that capture not only the spectacle, but the spirit of the event.
The Energy of the Swiss Guggenmusik Bands
One of the most powerful highlights of this year’s carnival was the presence of the Swiss Guggenmusik bands.
Their arrival instantly shifted the atmosphere. The deep brass tones, driving percussion, and unmistakable festive rhythm resonated through the streets, amplifying the emotional intensity of the parade. Guggenmusik is not simply music — it is performance, theatricality, and pure kinetic energy.
Visually, they are equally compelling. Bold costumes, exaggerated masks, synchronized movements — every element contributes to a high-impact visual experience. Capturing their performance meant freezing motion at its peak: instruments raised mid-note, confetti suspended in air, musicians fully immersed in the moment.
The synergy between sound and visual spectacle elevated the entire carnival to another level.
A Photographer’s Perspective
Being part of the official photography team allowed me to experience the event from a privileged vantage point. It also carried a strong sense of responsibility: to document not just the parade, but the atmosphere, the emotions, and the countless small interactions that define a community celebration.
Children watching in awe. Volunteers coordinating behind the scenes. The pride of float builders seeing their work admired by thousands. These are the moments that complete the story.
The Carnevale di Cannobio is not only a parade — it is a collective expression of identity and tradition. This 2026 edition confirmed why it remains one of the most anticipated events in the region.
Photo Gallery
Below, you will find a curated gallery of my favorite images from the event — a visual journey through color, music, craftsmanship, and celebration.
I hope these photographs convey at least a fraction of the extraordinary energy experienced in Cannobio this year.
If you attended, you may recognize a face, a float, or a fleeting moment captured in time. If you were not there, consider this an invitation to experience it next year.
