Youth festivals in Aargau and Solothurn

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In some towns in the cantons of Aargau and Solothurn, large festivals for young people and schools are organised, which are of great significance to the identity of the town and its population, across all generations. Youth festivals have been held in Aarau, Brugg and Lenzburg for over 400 years, while those in Baden, Zofingen and Olten can look back on around 200 years of history. The youth festivals take place before the summer holidays and mark the end of the school year for schoolchildren. During these festivities, which last several days, children and young people compete in games and sports competitions, enjoy a varied cultural programme together with adults and prepare for the joint parade that marks the highlight of the youth festivals in all cities. All school classes parade through the city with their teachers. Girls usually wear flower wreath in their hair, while boys wear a single flower on their lapels. They are accompanied by music groups and often by politicians who give speeches. In Aarau, Lenzburg and Brugg, the town fountains and old town are carefully decorated to celebrate the occasion. In Zofingen and every two years in Lenzburg, the ‘Freischaren manoeuvres’ between the freemen and the cadets provide exceptional spectacle and entertainment.