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 carnival with ancient origins
- Typical original masks
- Joy and laughter for children
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
- 8.00 am: Meeting of the Benda in the hamlet of Cheillon and subsequent visit to the hamlets of Thoules and Semon
- 3.00 pm: Meeting at the Town Hall and subsequent visit to the hamlets of the Chief town and Chez-les-Chuc
- 7.30 pm: Meeting of the masks in the square at the Café du Moulin
- 9.30 pm: Dancing evening at the Pro Loco Area with Erik é le Poudzo Valdotèn
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.