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The Chalandamarz is a rite of spring dating back to ancient times and probably to Antiquity. These days, it is practised only in the Upper and Lower Engadin, Val Müstair, Bregaglia ("Calendimarzo"), Val Poschiavo ("Popocc da marz") and in Oberhalbstein. On 1 March every year, schoolchildren dressed in brightly coloured costumes parade through these towns and villages ringing bells to usher in the better half of the year. The symbolic driving out of the demons of winter is closest to its origins in the Upper Engadin, where in some villages, six strapping young lads haul a beautifully decked-out sleigh bearing the costumed, bell-ringing harbingers of spring all through the town. The sleigh comes to a halt from time to time so that the occupants can sing a song and collect presents from the villagers.
Places: Engadin, Val Müstair, Bregaglia, Valposchiavo, Oberhalbstein, Lenzerheide
Fonte : http://en.graubuenden.ch/
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