According to tradition, this carnival event was established in commemoration of the march through the Great St. Bernard Pass by Napoleon and his troops in May 1800, during his campaign in Italy. The carnival costumes then are traditionally an allegorical transformation of the uniforms originally worn by the French soldiers. A bear is also represented and symbolises the arrival of Spring; mule tails represent the winds and are used to banish baleful breezes; the mirrors on the costumes ward off evil spirits and the bright red colour, which symbolises vigour and strength, also has the power to dispel dark spirits, ill omens and misfortune. During the parade, the carnival characters enter the homes of local families; they dance along the streets and in the squares and eat and drink whatever they are given.
Program
Friday 17th
10 pm Disco with DJ Bassanini. – Free entrance.
Saturday 18th
9 am Masks meeting to Luigino
10.30 am start of ‘benda’ (mask group) tour and visit to the hamlets of Places, Chentre, Balmes, Dzovennoz, Moulin, Chez Les Merloz, Lexert.
11 am Blessing of the ‘benda’ at the Chentre chapel
8 pm arrival of the ‘benda’ at the Lac Lexert restaurant, where spaghetti will be served (offered to the masks, for those who wish to join in, the cost is € 10)
9 pm Dancing evening in the company of the orchestra I ragazzi del villaggio. - Free entrance.
10 pm arrival of the ‘benda’ and continuation of dances.
The committee accepts no liability for damage to persons or property before, during and after the event.
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.