What do you know about Swiss National Day (Schweizer Bundesfeiertag) on August 1st? The Swiss in Basel recognise the formation of the Swiss Confederacy (Schweizer Eidengessoscht) with fireworks and celebrations on the banks of the Rhine river starting in the evening of 31st July. The Swiss people celebrate Swiss National Day in a variety of ways including fireworks, bonfires, lanterns, parades, brunches and of course, BBQs. Why do we celebrate Swiss National Day? 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. 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. Swiss National Day Celebrations in the Basel Region July 31 and August 1 Cities all across Switzerland mark their National Day on August 1 with celebrations of all kinds, mostly consisting of food, drink, music, and fireworks. In Basel, more than 120,000 people come into town on the eve of Swiss National Day (July 31) to celebrate along the Rhein. 31Jul Swiss National Day in Veysonnaz Veysonnaz 31Jul Swiss National Day on the Rhine Basel 31Jul Swiss National Day in Lausanne Lausanne, 31.07.2025 - 03.08.2025 31Jul Swiss National Holiday Zermatt 31Jul Bundesfeier Einigen Einigen 31Jul August 1st celebration Saas-Balen Saas-Balen 31Jul National holiday Grächen 31Jul NATIONAL CELEBRATIONSAG Basel-Stadt, Switzerland Public Holidays in 2025 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays. Upcoming Swiss National Day. Events of international and national importance: Exhibitions – Customs, Festivities and Markets – Festivals and Musicals – Fairs and Congresses – Sports Events Party event in Basel, Switzerland by Paddy Reilly's Basel and DJ Putney on Thursday, July 31 2025 Discover everything about the Switzerland National Day 2025, from 1291 history to the grand celebration in Basel, and Switzerland visa appointment for UK travelers. 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 National Day 2025, from a firework display on Rhine bank to alphorns in Basel, eating Roast, drinking Rivella & Switzerland Visa appointment I'm in Germany for my summer holiday and enjoyed fireworks last night over the Rhine River in Basel in celebration of Swiss National Day. The Swiss National Day is 1 August. In Basel the festivities begin the day before: more than 100,000 people gather on the banks of the Rhine towards evening, watch water sports shows, stroll along the festival stalls on the banks and on the Mittlere Brücke, and admire the magnificent fireworks at night. Swiss National Day is a unique and patriotic event celebrated across the country to celebrate Switzerland becoming an independent confederation. Swiss flags are everywhere on August 1, like on buildings, balconies, and church belltowers. Although the Schweizer Bundesfeiertag (Swiss National Day) is actually August 1, in Basel, more than 120,000 people come into town on the eve of the holiday, July 31, to celebrate along the Rhein. Swiss National Day on the Rhine The 1st of August is Switzerland’s national holiday which is officially celebrated in the canton of Basel-Stadt on the Bruderholz. Basel traditionally starts its celebrations on the 31st of July with a big city festival on the Rhine. Swiss National Day on the Bruderholz Basel invites you to the official celebrations of Swiss National Day, taking place on the Bruderholz on 1 August. The event will take place on the festival grounds at the foot of the Water Tower. The programme begins with the ringing of the Tituskirche church bells at 8.00 pm. On stage, there will be modern and traditional music and singing groups for young Home Switzerland Public Holidays 2025 This page contains a national calendar of all 2025 public holidays. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates. Scroll down to view the national list or choose your canton’s calendar. 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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