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. 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. 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. 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. Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1, is the country’s national holiday. Although the Swiss Confederacy was founded on this date in 1891 and has been celebrated annually since 1899, it has only been an official holiday since 1994. Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country boasting several surreal lakes, villages, and the majestic Alps peaks. Its cities have medieval Having the day off on August 1 probably goes without saying for many people. But this is only the 30th year that the whole country has the day off on Swiss National Day. The Bundesfeier on August 1 is Switzerland's national holiday. The date was chosen because the Federal Charter of 1291 was dated “at the beginning of the month of August”. The document is considered one of the country's most important founding documents. Celebrate Switzerland National Day 2025 with a special Google Doodle! Learn the history behind August 1st, explore Swiss traditions. 1 AUGUST - CELEBRATING THE SWISS NATIONAL DAY IN SWITZERLAND 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. On 1 August, the President of the Swiss Confederation addresses the entire nation. In a 1993 referendum, Swiss National Day was declared a public holiday throughout Switzerland. Explore Switzerland's National Day (August 1st): Discover its rich history, vibrant traditions, and exciting festivities. Learn how Swiss citizens celebrate! On 1 August, the Swiss celebrate their homeland with a festival celebrating unity and national pride. The extraordinary political stability, which began with the Pact of 1291, is the result of neutrality, independence and federalism, which distinguish Switzerland from nations such as France, the United Kingdom, Portugal or Austria. I extend my congratulations to the people of Switzerland on your National Day, August 1. The United States values its strong and steady relationship with Switzerland. Our cooperation spans trade, finance, and security areas where Swiss leadership and reliability continue to make a global impact. Switzerland plays a key role in the international financial system, and our economic ties support 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. 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. 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] 1 August is the national day in Switzerland. Celebrate the Swiss National Day in Grindelwald with traditional folk music and entertainment. 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 in Zurich This is how Zurich’s inhabitants celebrate Swiss National Day on August 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. 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.
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