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The Coumba-Frèida Historic Carnival

Resorts: Allein

15 February 2026 - 17 February 2026

15^th February

10:00 am: Departure of La Benda (masked group) from La Ville according to ancient tradition.
Parade in La Vallettaz and visit to the Mayor, La Benda then continues its visit to the families of the hamlets of Chez-Norat, Allèrod, Frein, Clavel and returns to the hamlet of Le Plan-de-Clavel (Chef-Lieu).

16^th February

10.30 am: Departure of La Benda (masked group) in the hamlet of Le Martinet and visit to the families of the hamlets of L'Allamanaz, Chavéroulaz and Ayez, with the group passing by the Meison du Carnaval de la Coumba Freida.
9.30 pm: Masked ball with the orchestra ‘I ragazzi del Villaggio’. Admission € 5.00

17^th February

10.30 am: Exit of the Benda (masked group) in the hamlet of Daillon, continuing the visit to the families of the hamlet of Chantè.
In the afternoon, Grand Finale in the hamlet of La Ville.

Contact

Ufficio regionale del turismo

Address

Piazza Chanoux, 8

11014 ETROUBLES

E-mail

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.