Every year during the carnival period, the Rye Bear returns to run through the streets of Valdieri, a mountain village in the province of Cuneo, to predict the end of winter by consulting the night sky.
The Bear frightens children, bothers women, avoids the holy water of exorcist friars: his awakening from hibernation tells people that a new season is coming.
Little by little, birdsong breaks the winter chill, earthy colours replace the white of snow, and day returns to prevail over night.
The Valdieri Alpine Carnival is organized by the Rye Ecomuseum, Municipality of Valdieri, Gesso Valley Pastoral Unit and Alpi Marittime Protected Areas, together with the people of Valdieri.
Indirizzo
12012 Valdieri CN
Italy