Chalandamarz bids farewell to winter
Chasing away evil winter spirits is the idea behind this annual Swiss custom.
Boys in the Lower Engadine region of eastern Switzerland drive away the spirits with their bells, whips and rattles, so that “the grass will grow better”. Chalandamarz, here in the village of Ardez, takes place on March 1 (chalanda = first day of the month, marz = March). (Photos: Rolf Amiet, swissinfo)
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