Chalandamarz the famous children's festival in the Engadin

Chalandamarz is an ancient festival with deep roots in the culture of the Engadin and other Romansh-speaking regions of Switzerland. The Chalandamarz custom actually originates from the Roman New Year. The spring festival takes place annually on March 1st, marking the transition from winter to spring. Chalandamarz symbolizes new beginnings and the awakening of nature. It is a living Romansh culture. Especially in the Engadin, where the customs are carefully preserved, Chalandamarz is a highlight of the year.

The origin of Chalandamarz

The name "Chalandamarz" comes from Romansh and means "Calendar of March," the first day of the month of March. The custom dates back to Roman times, when March 1st marked the beginning of the year. In the various villages of the Engadine and other Romansh regions, children and young people, often dressed in traditional costumes, parade through the streets, making noise with bells and whips to drive away winter and welcome spring. They also sing old folk songs passed down from generation to generation.

Schellen-Ursli – A classic of Swiss children's literature

A central figure of Chalandamarz is Ursin, who comes to life in the well-known children's book "Schellen-Ursli" (Romansh: "Uorsin e la s-chella") by Selina Chönz and Alois Carigiet. The name Ursin comes from Romansh and means "little bear."
The book tells the story of a young Engadin boy living in a mountain village in the Lower Engadine. He desperately wants a large bell for the Chalandamarz parade so he can be at the head of the procession.
Since only a small "Brunzina" is left for him, "Schellen-Ursli" (Ursin the Bell) embarks on an adventurous journey to retrieve the large bell from the family's alpine hut, located high in the mountains. The loving illustrations by Alois Carigiet, which accompany Selina Chönz's story, bring the alpine world of the Engadin to life.

The meaning of Schellen-Ursli

"Schellen-Ursli" is an integral part of Swiss children's literature and an important cultural reference point for Chalandamarz. The figure of Ursin represents the strength and energy of spring, the battle against the winter spirits, and the victory of light over darkness. The book continues to inspire children to appreciate and carry on the Chalandamarz tradition.

The significance of Chalandamarz today

The Chalandamarz is not only a traditional festival, but also an important social event. It brings village communities together and strengthens awareness of the cultural identity of the Romansh population. Many homesick Engadin residents take March 1st off work to participate in the Chalandamarz parade in their home village.
For visitors to the Engadin, the Chalandamarz offers a unique opportunity to experience local culture and immerse themselves in the region's vibrant traditions.

Experience Chalandamarz in the Engadin

During Chalandamarz, the picturesque villages provide the backdrop for this ancient custom.

It's worth planning your visit to the Engadin around March 1st. Then you can experience the Chalandamarz live. Be there as the sound of bells, whips, and rattles echoes through the streets. The Chalandamarz is a living testimony to a unique cultural history that deserves to be preserved.

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