Customs

Cultivating customs in the Engadin doesn’t mean laboriously trying to keep old traditions alive but cultivating popular ones - and letting others join in. Even if it’s “only” a culinary custom such as enjoying game dishes in the autumn hunting season.
 
Schlitteda: Festival of Youth
Eagerly anticipated every January or February: the Schlitteda Engiadinaisa is the social highlight of the Engadin winter! Over the years, what was once reserved for singles has grown into a village fête packed with fun for locals and guests alike. And what a fabulous sight when the "Giuventüna" – the village youngsters – travel from village to village in gaily decorated horse-drawn sleighs. The glistening, white snow creates a delightful contrast to the vivid colours of the traditional costumes. This is followed by the evening Schlitteda Ball, where young and young-at-heart bring this wonderful winter custom to a fitting finale.

Chalandamarz: from the days of Schellenursli
Children in the Upper Engadin look forward to this day all year long: On 1 March it’s Chalandamarz, the festival to banish winter. Boys in bright blue smock-type tops and girls in traditional red and black Engadin costume move from house to house, singing old songs and appealing for donations for the evening Chalandamarz Ball. Of course the procession wouldn’t be complete without the large cowbells or Plumpas, with which the children drive out the unwanted winter spirits in true Schellenursli fashion. There could hardly be a more delightful way to welcome spring!
 
The hunt: game for autumn!
From September, around 5,000 hunters ensure that wildlife doesn’t get the upper hand in the Engadin. The traditional end to this special period is the St. Hubertus Festival, at which the patron saint is thanked for a successful hunting season. This takes place in mid-October at the Catholic Church of St. Karl in St. Moritz Bad. Non-hunters probably prefer the season’s culinary side and enjoy saddle of venison and venison ragout served in the many restaurants that traditionally include game specialities in their autumn menus.