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
Thursday February 8th
8.00 am - The masks meet at the town hall. The parade starts making visit to the Mayor's house and continues to the villages of Echevennoz and Chez-Les-Blancs. In the afternoon parade in the village.
10.00 pm- Great dancing evening at the multipurpose hall of the tennis bar with Erik é le poudzo valdotèn.
Friday February 9th
9.00 - Meeting in Vachéry, Cerisey house
10.00 - Visit to the families of Pallais, the village and Vachéry.
22.00 - Great dancing evening with the band I ragazzi del Villaggio and awarding of the funniest Patoille.
Starting at one o'clock music of the 70's, 80's and 90's.
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.