Carnival in Solothurn (SO)
Thursday before Ash Wednesday During carnival time, when everything is «upside down», the town of Solothurn changes into Honolulu – since a witty fellow once claimed that the town on the River Aare was exactly on the other side of the globe from Hawaii. This idea is still maintained.
A series of events begins at five o'clock in the morning on Maundy Thursday with the Chesslete, or initial carnival celebration. There is a parade escorted through the old city by torch bearers. All the participants wear a white nightshirt and nightcap, but no mask. They make deafening «music» with brass and percussion instruments. In the afternoon, the «fools' guild» officially proclaims the beginning of carnival time.
On the following evenings, especially on Saturday, there are masked balls. On Sunday and Tuesday afternoons, a huge parade makes its way through the streets, with skilled representations depicting a common, half satirical theme. A large brass band which provides festive music on Tuesday night leads up to the official close, but only after the Böögg, or straw man, is burnt on Ash Wednesday evening does the colorful occasion reach its spectacular conclusion for another year.