Chalandamarz

"Chalandamarz" is a Romansh word for the first day of the month of March, when the bells ring out winter and welcome the approach of spring. The custom, portrayed in the famous children's book "Schellenursli" ("A Bell for Ursli") by Selina Chönz and Alois Carigiet, is respected in Engadin, Münstertal, Bergell, Puschlav, Misox, Oberhalbstein and Albulatal, but the celebrations differ from village to village. All schoolchildren dressed in peasant smocks, pointed caps and traditional dress parade around the fountain early in the morning with bells and whips. They walk from house to house and sing Chalandamarz songs, collecting food and money for the communal dinner and the school trip. In the evening, a ball is held. In Scuol the procession is complemented by a whip cracking competition. In Zuoz, Chalandamarz is also the day of the municipal elections. The Chalandamarz in Ftan is more like a carnival parade; the boys are dressed in costumes and torment the girls with inflated pigs' bladders. In Poschiavo and Misox, a snowman is burned as a symbol of winter. Preparations for the festival begin everywhere at the start of February.