Schlitteda: sleigh rides in St. Moritz

Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz located in the Engadine Valley is known worldwide as one of the most exclusive and expensive winter recreational areas. Tourists often call this Swiss resort the Top of the World. Entertainment in this "reserve of the millionaires" is also appropriating: Cartier Polo World Cup, classical music festival Snow & Symphony, sailing regatta on the Lake St. Moritz and unique Ice Golf Championship.

However, among these glamorous entertainments is one exception, which, though poorly fits into the overall picture, however, is an ancient and very beautiful tradition. This is Schlitteda (from the German - sled). This holiday takes place on January 14. In the old days Schlitteda was the feast for young boys and unmarried girls. On this day young people from the Engadine valley harnessed sledges with beautiful horses and invited local girls to ride around the city and its environs. Then for the young people was organized a ball - a dance evening, which lasted almost until morning.

Now the festival is open for all: locals and guests, married and unmarried. Those tourists, who do not participate in the festive rides, can admire the caravans of decorated sleds with people dressed in traditional ancient costumes accompanied by musicians. In the evening, as in old times, a banquet and a ball was held near the St. Moritz Town Hall. This beautiful custom attracts so many tourists wishing to participate in it that were opened several agencies, where you can buy or rent everything you need for the holiday: costumes, sleigh, decorations and even horses with a coachman.