Events05 February 2016

An Alpine Carnival in Valdieri with a rye straw bear!

The Alpine Carnival in Valdieri is back! It is quite the unique event: a carnival in the mountains which has as main character a rye straw bear.

Credits: Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime

Credits: Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime

The Alpine Carnival in Valdieri is back! It is quite the unique event: a carnival in the mountains which has as main character a rye straw bear; organized by the Ecomuseum of Rye, with the support of the Maritime Alps Natural Park and the City of Valdieri, this celebration reenacts the memory of an elder of the place who played more than once this legendary carnival figure when he was younger.

The 2016 edition is scheduled on Sunday, February 14th at 2.30pm in Piazza della Resistenza where the rye bear will suddenly burst and do all sorts of funny things before being captured and tamed by its tamer.

The Carnival will not only be a time of celebration, but also an opportunity to present the historical and cultural heritage of Valle Gesso to the public.

The afternoon will be animated by music with the traditional songs of Ciantour d'Vudier (the choir of Valdieri) and the Occitan group I Jouvarmoni.

Additionally, on Sunday morning, LIFE project Wolfalps organizes a short and easy hike to talk about rye bears and wolves. Participants will climb to the ancient village of Tetti Bartola and then visit the Museum of Rye Civilization discovering Sant'Anna di Valdieri's traditions.

At the end of the hike, the Park shop-bar "I Bateur" will offer small tasting of local products, then everybody will go to Valdieri for the carnival.

LIFE project Wolfalps organizes informational events to describe the natural return of the wolf in the Alps.

For more information about both events:

Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime tel. 0171 97397 www.parcoalpimarittime.it info@parcoalpimarittime.it

Valdieri is a municipalityin the Province of Cuneo located about 90 kilometres (56 mi) southwest of Turin and about 15 kilometres (9 mi) southwest of Cuneo, on the border with France. It is part of the Valle Gesso. Valdieri is well known for its Terme or thermal baths, a historic place for relaxation, since 1857, with 36 hot springs and a SPA.

Deborah Bellotti

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