Customs

In the past, horse-drawn sleighs were the most important means of transport in the Engadin. From this tradition, the romantic winter custom of the Schlitteda developed, which is still practised today by young, unmarried couples.

The young men invite their sweethearts on a sleigh ride together, which often takes place by moonlight. One important rule has always remained: married couples are not allowed to take part in this custom.

The Hom Strom, literally translated as 'straw man', is an old winter custom from Scuol. On the first Saturday in February, the local schoolchildren meet on the village square to create the metre-high figure from self-harvested rye straw.

In the evening, the village gathers to watch the spectacle. Boys set the Hom Strom on fire with fireballs while everyone sings the Hom Strom song. The flames are said to provide clues about the coming harvest.

More about the Hom Strom

«Pschuuri» means 'to blacken' and is a carnival custom from Splügen. On the morning of Ash Wednesday, costumed children go from house to house. With a traditional saying, they ask for sweets or other treats.

In the afternoon, the chase begins: older boys, the «Pschuurirolli», try to blacken the faces of unmarried women and girls with soot. In the evening, a communal celebration is held for the locals to conclude the day.

More about the Pschuuri

During the Trer Schibettas ('disc throwing'), young men climb high above the villages of Danis, Dardin, and Untervaz. There, they heat self-carved wooden discs, made from maple wood, in the fire until they glow.

The glowing discs are then hurled into the valley with great momentum. Each disc is accompanied by a loud shout and a dedication to a girl. This is meant to drive away the winter and to woo the girls.

The Chalandamarz is an ancient spring custom that takes place on March 1st. It is celebrated in the Engadin, Val Müstair, Bergell (Calendimarzo), Valposchiavo (Pupocc da marz), and Val Surses.

Schoolchildren parade through the villages in colourful costumes. With the loud ringing of bells and the cracking of whips, the demons of winter are symbolically driven away and the warmer season is welcomed.

More about the Chalandamarz

At the end of the alpine summer, the cattle return from the mountains to the valley. These Alpine descents take place in various regions of Graubünden, for example in Brigels, on the Flimserstein, in Monbiel, or in the Prättigau.

For their return, the animals are festively adorned. They pass by the spectators, moving through the villages with the loud ringing of bells. The occasion is often accompanied by a market or a festival for locals and guests.

The sheep shearing in Savognin takes place in October on the village square Gravas. On this day, the sheep from the entire region shed their thick coats. The shearing is traditionally carried out by hand by experienced professionals.

Spectators can watch the craft up close. They can learn how the freshly shorn wool feels and how this valuable, natural product is subsequently processed into various goods.