You could never accuse the Swiss of not knowing how to throw a good party. Today was the last Sunday of the annual winter Carnival in the village, which starts every year on 6th January. (So that’s at least 7 weeks of celebration!) Today, the programme promised music and a procession of the main characters, namely the Peluches (who wear masks and sheepskins) and the Empaillés (who also wear masks and a rather large sacking ‘suit’ stuffed with straw). In addition several people attend wearing fancy dress and there’s a huge amount of confetti, either thrown, usually by the children, or cannoned out from the top of a bus… (See pic 18).
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
Well, that’s a different celebration from what I’ve ever seen! I first started thinking they’d be/look like scarecrows, but the masks changed that thought! A bit frightful!!
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Yes, the aim is to scare away the evil winter spirits. It seems to be working as the weather has been extremely warm and sunny of late. 😊
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Such a fun event!! I love carnivals and this one seems a bit different in style and characters compared to the ongoing Carnival in Valletta. Thank you for sharing this Mike!!!
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You’re welcome Anita. It is slightly bizarre (given the sheepskins and straw stuffing) but it’s a tradition that goes back years. I didn’t mention the Empaillé, which is similarly stuffed with straw and is hunted down (tomorrow I think) and then burnt to end the celebrations. (Nobody gets hurt of course!) I think it formally ends the winter.
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