Chalandamarz in the Engadin

Chalandamarz is a custom that symbolizes the farewell to winter and the beginning of the warmer season. The name originates from the Roman calendar—“Chalanda” means “first day of the month,” and “Marz” stands for the month of March.
Today, boys, girls, parents, and visitors celebrate the festival on the first of March. During the procession, children carry bells and wear traditional costumes: the younger ones are the “calves,” and the older ones are the “cows.” The three oldest in the group look after the lively herd of children and lead the singing. With plenty of noise from bells and rattles, they make their way through the Engadin villages.

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