10/07/2026
💜 Faces of Rio: Meet Matt Randazzo — King Dom Pedro XXII! 👑
After 20 years with the Krewe of Rio, Matt Randazzo is stepping into an especially memorable chapter this Carnival season as King Dom Pedro XXII!
Over the years, Matt has worn a lot of hats within Rio — serving four years as Treasurer, one year as Secretary, two years as Lafayette Facilities Chair, and now in his second year as Float Den Chair and an At-Large Member of the Executive Committee.
Matt’s Rio story actually began with another King Dom Pedro. His close friend Warren Shepherd, King Dom Pedro II, invited Matt to attend the Ball as a guest. Matt had attended plenty of balls before, but Rio had an energy unlike anything he’d experienced. He was hooked and joined soon after.
Two decades later, what means the most to Matt is helping preserve the traditions and history Rio’s founding members envisioned while making sure those traditions continue to grow with the Krewe.
And when Carnival season rolls around? Nothing beats the Rio parade. Matt’s favorite part is seeing the crowds along the route having a great time — especially the kids when they catch one of his favorite throws: stuffed animals. 💚💜💛
Rio has become a family tradition for Matt and his wife, Sonja, too. They’ve watched each of their children experience the Rio Ball for the first time, and now the whole family looks forward to it each year.
🥁 A few fun facts about Matt: He played drums in bands as a teenager and into his 20s, still breaks out his acoustic set from time to time, and is a proud Desert Storm veteran. And when it comes to Carnival treats, he’s admittedly a little biased — Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes get his vote. 😄
When asked to describe Rio in three words?
✨ Festive. Fun. Friendships.
After 20 years, Matt has some pretty simple advice for getting the most out of Rio: get involved, volunteer, show up and be part of it. That’s where the lifelong friendships are made.
Help us show Matt some Rio love in the comments! 💜
