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Carnival in February is the most important season for fans of colorful times. However, there are regional differences to traditions and moves. I give you an insight into the carnival time of my old home Solothurn
The carnival days have been celebrated here since the 15th century. The carnival season begins on the day of Saint Hilarius (Latin for happy, cheerful), January 13th. Preparations are in full swing until the actual start in February. The chief (guild master) of the Fool's Guild symbolically replaces the city mayor since 1853, and Rathausgasse becomes Eselsgasse, and Solothurn becomes Honolulu.
The start of the carnival is the "Chesslete", a parade through the old town in the early morning. Several thousand participants in white shirts and pajamas, red neckerchiefs and armed with everything that makes noise, awaken the population. This tradition has been around for well over 100 years. According to this tradition, a flour soup is then eaten in many participating restaurants in order to warm up again before one or the other goes back to work. However, after noon no one should be in the white shirt on the street after lunch. Friday is reserved for the guilds, so that the actual masked balls take place on Saturday for all party-goers.
Wednesday is the burning of the Böögg and the carnival is over. The Böögg, a fantasy figure, is handed over to flame death. Honolulu becomes Solothurn again, Eselsgasse is taken over again by the city mayor.
Program of the Solothurn Carnival
- February 19, 2020 - Children's Chesslete 3:00 p.m.
- February 20, 2020 - Dirty Thursday / Chesslete 5:00 a.m. / Children's parade
- February 23, 2020 - Carnival parade Sunday / Monschterguggete approx. 5:30 p.m.
- February 25, 2020 - Carnival parade Tuesday,
- February 26, 2020 - Böögg burn Ash Wednesday.
The Hilari and the Chesslete are characteristic of Solothurn.
My recommendation:
Monschterguggete at the St. Ursen cathedral. Concentrated music to celebrate along!
All photos courtesy of fasnacht-solothurn.ch
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