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Explore the rich traditions and festivities of Swiss National Day on August 1st, highlighting the unity and cultural diversity of Switzerland's cantons. History of Swiss National Day Switzerland began marking its union in 1891. That year, leaders of the young Swiss state chose August 1 to honor a pact made in 1291 by mountain cantons. Early celebrations joined cantonal fairs with speeches and lights. Scholars found the Federal Charter from 1291 in old archives in 1758. 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? One of the most popular ways to celebrate this holiday is through fireworks. Another tradition for celebrating Swiss National Day is through the lighting of bonfires, just as the Swiss people did 700 years ago. Come nightfall, fireworks and bonfires illuminate the sky as people celebrate below. Lanterns 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. Children’s Lanterns: One more exciting moment of the day is when children carry the Swiss National Cross symbol printed on the paper lanterns at night. Fireworks: Evening has its special celebration with the fireworks display near the Kleinbasel bank on Switzerland independence day year 2025. This extravaganza is completed by a great fireworks display that draws throngs of spectators. And, like everywhere else, speeches, songs, music and the national anthem animate the evening. In Switzerland, it's okay to blow your own horn--as long as it's 10 to 12 feet long and made of spruce with a hardwood mouthpiece. 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 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. 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. One thing you definitely need for the festivities on August 1st is a traditional home-made Swiss National Day lantern. The children march through the streets at dusk with candle-lit Chinese lanterns. Flags with the arms of the Confederation, the canton and the municipality fly proudly above public and private buildings alike. Even the bakers get involved, decorating their rolls of bread with little Swiss flags. On Swiss National Day, August 1, it is above all children who enjoy all the Chinese lanterns and fireworks. A historical photo album shows what the celebrations were like in the 1940s and 1950s. 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. 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. Swiss National Day (August 1st) is a great opportunity for kids to celebrate with fun, patriotic activities. Teachers and parents can teach kids about Swiss traditions and history. Here are some great ideas for you: 1. Traditional Swiss Crafts Make Paper Lanterns – Kids can decorate lanterns with Swiss crosses, flags, or alpine motifs for evening parades. Create Swiss Flags – Use paper Celebrate the National Day in Mürren from 2.00 pm with a bouncy castle, bull riding and a small festival restaurant. In the evening, culinary delights and country music await you, followed by a lantern procession and an impressive bonfire. Experience Swiss traditions 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. Switzerland National Day, also known as Swiss National Day or Bundesfeier , is celebrated on August 1st each year. 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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