Peluches & empaillés

In Evolène the carnival season begins on Epiphany (January 6) when a large number of young people run with cow bells through the village to announce a special celebration.

After it’s the turn of the strange creatures called "peluches" (soft toys). These strange beings - in cat, fox or wolf form – wear untanned chamois, sheep or fox fur and her legs are covered with pieces of hides which they tie with strings.The head is covered with a wooden mask sculpted by local craftsmen. Alone or following a leader, they move with their bells through the village and take delight in frightening passers-by.

On Carnival Sunday other mysterious creatures come to swell the ranks of these monsters, the "empaillés". Scarecrows wearing jute sacks and masks and carrying rice brooms.