Gita a Selva in Poschiavo (GR)
On a sunny Sunday in May - weather permitting - the schoolchildren of the Reformed school in Poschiavo are accompanied by many grownups on a hike to the chapel on the Selva Alpine meadow, a good hour's hike from the village.
The origin of this religious school custom goes back to the nineteenth century, when the church, built in the seventeenth century, was visited regularly every spring. After a more or less speedy climb, the participants congregate for the church service. Then the traditional polenta is served to all, along with wine or milky coffee to help digest it. The afternoon is spent in drama presentations and sports competitions. After sundown, the crowd hikes back down to the village. The procession into the village and a short speech made by one of the adults conclude the festivities.