Jugendverein Sta. Maria / Valchava

The "Giuventüna Sta. Maria - Valchava" is a youth association born from the merger of the two youth associations of Santa Maria and Valchava in 2000. The club has grown and strengthened since this merger. Members attend an annual general meeting held on December 26th. The youth club organizes a special festival between December 27th and 31st. This festival celebrates the beginning of the new year with the ringing of bells from the church of Santa Maria. On New Year's Day, a happy new year is wished to all residents of the two municipalities, and the celebration ends around January 2nd. The association keeps alive the tradition of Saint Nicholas on December 6th, visiting homes with young children to recite poems and have dinner together. Other traditions include making wreaths for the weddings of active members. During the Christmas season, members decorate the Christmas trees in the churches of Santa Maria and Valchava. On August 1st, members gather to light fires in the mountains and then celebrate upon their return to the valley. Furthermore, each year during the general assembly, the titles of Mister and Miss Youth are awarded. The association serves young people from the municipalities of Santa Maria and Valchava.