Chalanda Marz Engadin

The Chalandamarz custom originated from the time when the Romans occupied the land of Raetia and was practised to drive out the evil spirits. The term Chalandamarz is a combination of two English words when translated: “chalanda” meaning first and “Marz” meaning March. It came from the Romansh-speaking part of the Canton of Graubünden and is done every 1st day of March.

Children Chalanda Marz Engadin

The custom is now done with schoolchildren singing and ringing bells, marching throughout the village to drive out the winter months. Although various activities and details vary from village to village, it is mainly celebrated with cowbell playing, whip-cracking and walking round the village.