Tradition.
Chalandamarz
Chalandamarz was originally largely an event for boys. In the meantime, however, girls have also been integrated into the event in most villages. The custom differs from village to village. Besides the sounds of bells, Chalandamarz is filled with the noise of whips cracking.
When the children and teenagers roam through the villages, joyfully ringing their bells, every household gives a tidy sum for the school trip fund. If the boys are lucky, they might get to sit down in Miss Barbla's parlour and eat their fill of «chastognas cun latmilch» – chestnuts with whipped cream. You can bet that after a sweet treat, the sounds of the heavy bells will ring out much more loudly through the streets!
Further Information
On the websites linked below, you will find information about processions and local variations of the tradition in individual regions.
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Schellen-Ursli
Die Geschichte vom Schellen-Ursli handelt von Uorsin – rätoromanisch für Ursli – dem nur ein kleines Glöcklein übrigbleibt, um am Chalandamarz teilzunehmen. Deswegen wird er von der übrigen Dorfjugend gehänselt. Doch er erinnert sich an die grosse Treichel, die in Vaters Berghütte hängt.
