Chalandamarz in Celerina
On March 1, children parade through the village with bells and colorfully decorated hats, driving away winter with singing, cracking whips and ringing bells.
Chalandamarz, Chaland'avrigl, laschè las vachas our d'uvigl…
The roots of Chalandamarz can be traced back to pagan times, to the Romans. The month of March is dedicated to Mars, the god of the sun and war. According to the Julian calendar, the year began in March, and in the warmer regions, spring also began. This event was celebrated with grand festivals to ask Mars for his blessing on fields, meadows, and livestock.
The Romans also played an important role in the Engadine region and left traces of their customs. Cracking whips, ringing bells, and singing drive away the invisible spirits. This noise is meant to frighten the winter spirit and thus awaken fertility.