Off he goes into the night, wearing a mask he carved himself,

Off he goes into the night, wearing a mask he carved himself, and joined, as he walks the village lanes, by other fearsome figures.

They may chase an unsuspecting tourist, and even rub the odd face into the snow, but the real purpose is to have some fun, and to keep a unique tradition alive.

More stories from Imogen Foulkes:

• The forgotten Swiss diplomat who rescued thousands from Holocaust
• Swiss nurture cannabis for pain relief