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.
Saturday 27 January:
- 9.30 am - Benda exit in the Javiod hamlet. Followed by visits to families in the upper hamlets of Aillan, Chatelair, Le Torrent, Le Coudrey, La Cerise.
- 9.30 pm - Masquerade ball in the pavilion with the "Erik e le Poudzo Valdotèn" orchestra (free entry) with awards for the funniest patoille.
Sunday 28 January:
- 9.30 am - Benda exit in the Meylan hamlet. Followed by visits to families in the hamlets of Champsavinal, Dialley, Les Cretes, La Chenal, La Cretaz. Final evening at "La Grandze du Péi".
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.