Chalandamarz in Zuoz

On Saturday, February 28th, the boys (and most likely you too!) will be awakened by the loud ringing of bells starting at 3:00 a.m. (clamer oura). At 7:00 a.m., the traditional procession begins in the village square. At 12:45 p.m., preparations will be made in front of the Hotel Crusch Alva for the horse-drawn carriage ride to Madulain, departing at 1:00 p.m.

On March 1st, the schoolchildren, dressed in peasant blouses, pointed caps, and traditional costumes, will once again go from house to house in the early morning, ringing bells and cracking whips, singing Chalandamarz songs. The grand finale, a whip-cracking ceremony, will take place in the schoolyard in Zuoz starting at approximately 11:00 a.m.!

This custom of pagan origin formerly served to invoke fertility (wells), to drive away the winter spirits of the past year (noisy cowbells, whips), and to muster young men for mercenary service (arranging according to bell and body size).

Program

Saturday, February 28, 2026

- 12:01 a.m.: Whip cracking in front of the Plantahaus at the village square

- 3:00 a.m.: Ringing of church bells

- 7:00 a.m.: Start of the traditional procession in the village square in Zuoz

- 12:45 p.m.: Preparation for the horse-drawn carriage ride to Madulain in front of the Hotel Crusch Alva in Zuoz - 1:00 p.m.: Start of the horse-drawn carriage ride to Madulain (Hotel Crusch Alva, Zuoz)

- Sunday, March 1, 2026

- 7:30 a.m.: Start of the traditional procession in the village square in Zuoz

- approx. 11:00 a.m.: Grand finale – whip cracking in the schoolyard in Zuoz