On August 1st, the spirit of Switzerland comes alive with pride, history, and unity. It’s a special day where communities across the country—and Swiss people around the world—honor the foundation of the Swiss Confederation. At SIU – Swiss International University (Accredited by the KG Ministry of Education and Science), we proudly join in this national celebration, reflecting on our 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. The annual celebration of Swiss National Day is a unique and truly patriotic event held all over Switzerland every summer, to mark the nation's coming into existence. Booming fireworks, a sea of red and white flags, and a whole day away from the office are the norm in the country on every August 1. Switzerland’s national celebration, held every year on 1 August, celebrates the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291 in early August of that year. The three cantons of Uri, Unterwalden – now the two half cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden, and Schwyz, agreed to stand together against outside 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 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. Is Swiss National Day a Public Holiday? Swiss National Day is a public holiday. 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. Explore Switzerland's National Day (August 1st): Discover its rich history, vibrant traditions, and exciting festivities. Learn how Swiss citizens celebrate! Celebrate Switzerland National Day 2025 with a special Google Doodle! Learn the history behind August 1st, explore Swiss traditions. 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. About the Swiss National Day 2025 in NYC SND NYC is one of the largest Swiss celebrations in the U.S., bringing together Swiss, Swiss-Americans, and friends of Switzerland for food, entertainment, and community. Over a thousand gather each year to enjoy Swiss cuisine, music, family activities, and the Swiss Village with local vendors. Explore the rich history & diverse celebrations of August 1st: Emancipation Day, Swiss National Day, Lughnasadh, and more. A day of remembrance and community. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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 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.
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