New Year in Engadine

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Heavy bells for little boys Image: Martin Guggisberg

Procession through Ardez (Lower Engadine) Image: Arno Balzarini/Keystone

The straps securing the bells are decorated in the traditional style Image: Martin Guggisberg

The boys stop at every door and ask for sweets Image: Martin Guggisberg

The oldest schoolboy is in charge of the organisation Image: Martin Guggisberg

A loud custom... Image: Arno Balzarini/Keystone Keystone

A big crack of the whip... Image: Martin Guggisberg

... and smaller ones Image: Martin Guggisberg

Proud bell ringers in Ardez Image: Martin Guggisberg Keystone

It's hungry work Image: Martin Guggisberg

Circling the village well is part of the tradition Image: Swissimage swiss-image

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A colourful custom from the Lower Engadine valley.

The Chalandamarz is an old tradition in the Romansh-speaking part of Engadine, southeastern Switzerland, that dates back to Roman times. In those days March 1 (chalanda=first, marz=March) marked the start of the new year. Boys parade through the streets with heavy bells and cracking whips to drive away evil spirits.