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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. Days off in Switzerland are divided into national holidays and cantonal holidays. Find out which days are public holidays in Switzerland in 2025 & 2026. 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. Events of international and national importance: Exhibitions – Customs, Festivities and Markets – Festivals and Musicals – Fairs and Congresses – Sports Events 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. Home National Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 Swiss National Day, known as Schweizer Bundesfeier in German; Fête Nationale Suisse in French; Festa Nazionale Svizzera in Italian; and Fiasta Naziunala Svizra in Romanian, is typically set for August 1. In 2025, National Day falls on Friday 1 August. The holiday will be on Saturday 1 August in 2026. Swiss National Day is an annual public holiday in Switzerland taking place on August 1st. This day celebrates the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy, which according to legend, was formed by representatives of the three original cantons, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, who took an oath of confederation in 1291. Swiss National Day is a celebration that happens every year on August 1st in Switzerland. Learn about traditions and events during this day! 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. 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? 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. 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 In conclusion, Geneva offers a myriad of exciting events and festivities to celebrate August 1st. Whether you choose to attend the official celebrations at the Parc La Grange or explore the local markets and concerts throughout the city, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Switzerland’s National Day. 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. 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. 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. The Vibe in the Lucerne Region: For those living in or near Central Switzerland, the celebration around Lake Lucerne is all about that quintessential summer feeling with music and food. The town of Brunnen, in particular, hosts a two-day party. My Personal Tip: The fireworks in Brunnen on the evening of August 1st are spectacular. Events of international and national importance: Exhibitions – Customs, Festivities and Markets – Festivals and Musicals – Fairs and Congresses – Sports Events 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.
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