Gallery
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
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. On 1 August 2025, the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region will be full of colour and variety: the program for Swiss National Day includes various celebrations, speeches, folk music and regional culinary delights. Flag-wavers, alphorn players and yodeling groups represent Switzerland, fireworks are set off and bonfires can be seen for miles around. Here you will find an overview of the August 1st Swiss National Day (German: Schweizer Bundesfeiertag; French: Fête nationale suisse; Italian: Festa nazionale svizzera; Romansh: Festa naziunala svizra) is the national holiday of Switzerland, set on 1 August. Although the founding of the Swiss Confederacy was first celebrated on this date in 1891 and annually since 1899, it has only been an official holiday since 1994. [1] Switzerland celebrates its National Day on August 1. It has been a statutory public holiday since 1891. Therefore most people have the day off work and are able to celebrate together with their family or friends. Together they barbecue, relax, and in the evening marvel at a sparkling show of numerous small private fireworks – the city does not have an official 1st of August fireworks display August 1, Swiss National Day, is celebrated in the country with a range of traditional customs. Some are older, some newer, and some are even a bit contrived – for example, the very date itself. 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. Discover the rich traditions and events of Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1st, with a focus on canton-specific festivities, family activities, and culinary delights. The Swiss National day takes place on the 1st of August every year. It celebrates the signing of the Swiss Federal Charter in 1291 in early August. It is a date that all Swiss celebrate in a variety of ways, from fireworks and bonfires to brunches and BBQs with friends. It is a national holiday that everybody gets with few exceptions. 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. Read about National Day in Switzerland in 2025. On August 1st 1291, the three forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed the Federal Charter on the Rütli field, near to Lake Lucerne. The first of August is a Swiss national holiday, which is celebrated with political speeches, bonfires, fireworks and lanterns. There, the President of the Swiss Confederation addresses the nation, and the Swiss national anthem, which has been in use since 1961, is sung. One of the best-known ceremonies takes place on the legendary Rütli meadow. History of Switzerland National Day Every year on August 1, there are bonfires, paper lantern parades, fireworks, and Swiss flags swaying in the breeze. Swiss National Day was first established in 1891, yet it took more than a century for the hardworking Swiss to decide to hold a vote and give themselves the day off. August 1st swiss celebrate homeland On 1 August, the Swiss celebrate their homeland, commemorating the birth of the Confederation in 1291 with the Rütli Pact. With national pride, they combine history, traditions and a strong sense of community, accompanied by the national anthem, the Swiss Psalm. Although not the oldest nation in the world, Switzerland has enjoyed political continuity since Explore Switzerland's National Day (August 1st): Discover its rich history, vibrant traditions, and exciting festivities. Learn how Swiss citizens celebrate! Explore the rich history & diverse celebrations of August 1st: Emancipation Day, Swiss National Day, Lughnasadh, and more. A day of remembrance and community. The 1st of August only became a national public holiday in 1 August 1994. On 26 September 1993, the people of Switzerland voted overwhelmingly (86.3%) for a nationwide public holiday on this date. 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. Overall, August 1st is a special day in Geneva, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. Whether you choose to attend the official celebrations or create your own traditions, be sure to embrace the spirit of Swiss National Day and honor the country’s history and culture. 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 Swiss National Day is a day of celebration in Switzerland on August 1st. It’s a day that brings all of Switzerland together, with locals and visitors alike celebrating the unique culture, history, and heritage of Switzerland.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |