Carnival in Evolène

CARNAVAL 2025

January 6th:

On the evening of January 6th, as the Christmas festivities come to an end, the Carnival begins. Young people tour the entire commune, ringing cowbells throughout the evening. It is said that this "awakens" the Carnival, and the festivities can commence.

From January 7th onward, the Peluches (furry costumed figures) take control of the village of Evolène. You can meet them at any time, but mostly on Fridays and Saturdays after nightfall.

Friday, January 10th:

First weekend outing of the Peluches! Well, theoretically. Who are we to dictate their schedule?

Saturday, February 1st:

• 5 PM: Official opening of the Carnival Bar Lú Skàli at Place de l'Église with the traditional après-ski. Happy Hour from 5 PM to 6 PM.
• 10 PM: "Wooly Scandinavian Night" at La Paix and Lú Skàli.
  Get your horns, don your furs, and join the Grand Viking Raid!

Friday, February 7th:

• 6 PM: Après-ski at Lú Skàli. Happy Hour from 6 PM to 7 PM.
• 10 PM: "The Mule Museum" at the Dent-Blanche.
  "Back in the day, the mule was an integral part of families, helping carry materials. Without them, we couldn't have built the mayens (mountain huts)." — Catherine Rezzonico, Nouvelliste, 11.07.2024.

Saturday, February 8th:

• 5 PM: Après-ski at the Pension. Happy Hour from 5 PM to 6 PM.
• **Inauguration of the new container bar Lú Peùlyo, between the Mazot and the Church, by the theater troupe Lè Tarkêss.
• 10 PM: "Vamos à la Playa de Molignon" at the Mazot and the Pension.
  For those unafraid of bad weather: Foam Party at the Pension, hosted by the Carnival Association of Evolène.

Friday, February 14th:

• 6 PM: Après-ski at Lú Skàli. Happy Hour from 6 PM to 7 PM.
• Opening of the bar Lú Peùlyo by the Jeunesse Evolénarde.
• 10 PM: "Inversion Night" at La Paix.
  Switch gender roles for the night: Isabelles become Isabeaux!

Saturday, February 15th:

• 5 PM: Après-ski at Lú Skàli.
• Opening of Lú Peùlyo by the Evolène Ski Club.

11th Edition: The Return of the Liver!

• A fun, team-based race through the streets and bars of Evolène. Prizes for the best teams and souvenirs for all participants.

Details:

• Age: 16+

• Cost: 35 CHF/person

• Teams of 2–6 people, registration required by February 10th, 2025.

• 10 PM: "American Hay Party: Bare-Kilometer Night" across all venues.
  "Please come dressed appropriately. Even though the furry Peluches rule during Carnival, we are still in public spaces."

Thursday, February 20th:

• 5:30 PM: Stories and Legends at the Evolène Museum. Free entry; donations welcome.

Friday, February 21st:

• 6 PM: Après-ski at Lú Skàli. Happy Hour from 6 PM to 7 PM.
• 10 PM: "Red Night" at the Dent-Blanche.

Saturday, February 22nd:

• 4 PM: Gossip on the Terrace (short play) at Haudères.
• 10 PM: "Mythology and Religions Night" across all venues in Haudères.

Wednesday, February 26th:

• 6:30 PM: Torchlit descent and Awakening of the Rock Spirits starting from Col de Torrent to La Sage, with stops at Collines and Grenier.

Thursday, February 27th:

• 5:30 PM: Stories and Legends at the Evolène Museum.

Friday, February 28th:

• 6 PM: Après-ski at Lú Skàli.
• 10 PM: "Angels or Demons Night" across all venues.

Saturday, March 1st:

• Peluches on the slopes at Chemeuille in the morning.
• Celtic music by Anach Cuan.
• 10 PM: "Comedy Club Night" across all venues.

Sunday, March 2nd:

• 10:30 AM: Mass and the parade of Peluches and Empaillés, followed by traditional roasted boars.

Monday, March 3rd:

• 5:30 PM: Stories and Legends.
• 8 PM: Search and trial of the Poutratze by the Carnival troupe.

Tuesday, March 4th:

• 9 PM: Procession and burning of the Poutratze.