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The Coumba-Frèida Historic Carnival

Resorts: Allein

15 February 2025 - 16 February 2025

15th February

h. 8.00 Exit of the Benda in La Ville according to ancient tradition. Parade in Frein and visit to the Mayor. The Benda then continues the visit to the families of La Condémine, Allèrod, Chez-Norat, Clavel and Le Plan-de-Clavel, La Vallettaz, l'Allamanaz Chavéroulaz and Ayez
h. 21.30 dance evening with the orchestra "Erik e i Poudzo Valdotain" at the heated pavilion in Loc. Champlan. Entrance fee Euro 5.00

16th February

h. 9.00 Exit of the Mascres and visit to the families of Le Martinet, Daillon, Chantè and La Ville.
The Meison of Carnaval de la Coumba Freida will be open free of charge from h. 10.00 to 12.00

Contact

Ufficio regionale del turismo

Address

Piazza Chanoux, 8

11014 ETROUBLES

grancombin@turismo.vda.it

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 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.