Days off in Switzerland are divided into national holidays and cantonal holidays. Find out which days are public holidays in Switzerland in 2025 & 2026. GENEVA, Switzerland — What do the Swiss celebrate on 1 August each year? Get your handy notepad ready because the answer is like a delightfully complicated Swiss watch movement. Overall, Geneva offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere on August 1st, making it the perfect destination to celebrate Swiss National Day. Whether you choose to watch the fireworks, explore the local markets, or simply soak in the lively ambiance of the city, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this special day. Lake Geneva's premier vacation destination with 54 holes of golf, lodging, award-winning dining, and event spaces with lake views. From Geneva Residences, your home away from home, we bring you this guide to one of the most vibrant events of the summer in Geneva. On Friday, August 1st, the city celebrates Swiss National Day with a vibrant, free event at Parc La Grange, from 3:00 PM to midnight. Having the day off on 1 August is probably a matter of course for many people by now. However, this year marks the 30th time that the bank holidays will be free of work across the country. Swiss national day: 4 things you ought to know 11/07/2025 By Le News Every year on 1 August, Swiss celebrate the founding of their nation with barbecues, friends, town celebrations and a lot of fireworks. But what is it all about? 1. The Federal Charter of 1291 Giving us a perfect long weekend to enjoy the wide variety of activities and summer vibes! I often get DMs asking for my take on things to do on the national day. Why is August 1st celebrated as Swiss National Day? Every year on August 1st, people across Switzerland celebrate the country’s founding with fireworks, music, and patriotic pride. But have you ever wondered why this specific date was chosen as Swiss National Day? The answer goes back over 700 years, to a historic agreement among three Alpine regions that changed the course of European history. Geneva, Switzerland Public Holidays in 2025 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays. Upcoming Swiss National Day. Fireworks on National Day Celebrating 1st August with Fireworks Firework displays are one of the most popular ways to celebrate the official national day in Switzerland. You will find fireworks in most large cities (like Zurich, Basel, Bern & Geneva), and many smaller ones as well. Each Swiss commune offers a day of federal unity by organising firework displays, concerts, public speeches or presentations to celebrate Bundesfeier. Thousands of people attend festivities in the largest cities (Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lugano). The main celebrations, however, take place at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen and at the Ruetli Meadows alongside Lake Lucerne. Swiss National Day Swiss National Day, on August 1, celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation with bonfires, speeches and festivities all over the country. August 1st celebrations in Geneva The August 1st festivities in Geneva are organized as part of the current Town Hall year, which begins a few weeks earlier, on June 1st. After 2 years of subdued festivities due to the pandemic, Parc La Grange will once again host the National Day celebrations on 1 August. Starting at 3 pm, different events will offer everyone the chance to celebrate this historic date in a festive atmosphere. All residents of Geneva are invited to take part in the festivities. A key highlight of the day, and a first in Geneva, will be Swiss National Day brings the whole country together in a way few other days can. It’s when flags fly from balconies, church bells ring out, and communities gather in parks, town squares, and open fields. The mood feels light but meaningful. There’s laughter, music, and the familiar scent of food cooking over open flames. Even the mountains seem to join in, holding the sounds a little Today, August 1st, we proudly celebrate Swiss National Day, and at SSBM Geneva we are celebrating it with a special offer. Choose an MBA for you. National Day celebrations (marches, bondfires, fireworks) are generally left to the municipalities (communes) surrounding the City of Geneva, with rather low key events happening in Geneva. On August 1 each year, Switzerland celebrates its own founding with bonfires, flags, and speeches. Customs range from traditional to modern – with fireworks still a big bone of contention. La Ville de Genève n'est pas directement émettrice de tous les événements regroupés dans l'agenda, ceux-ci provenant de plusieurs sources. Pour toute question, merci de bien vouloir contacter les organisateurs. Founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 Since 1891, the first of August has been celebrated as Swiss National Day. The date refers to a historic alliance concluded in 1291 by the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. This alliance was to become the focal point around which the Switzerland of today was built over the next 500 years.
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