Carnival in Bern has quickly become the third largest event of its kind in Switzerland. It starts on a Thursday, when the bear imprisoned in the Prison Tower is woken from his winter sleep by the "Ychüblete" (drumming) and released.

"Guggenmusik-Cliques" (bands of carnival musicians) make the 6 km route along Bern's arcaded promenade vibrate with their wild rhythms and noisy music.