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. Events of international and national importance: Exhibitions – Customs, Festivities and Markets – Festivals and Musicals – Fairs and Congresses – Sports Events This annual Doodle celebrates National Day, or Fête Nationale, in Switzerland! On this day in 1291, the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed the Pacte du Rütli and formally united to become Switzerland. On National Day, many people light bonfires on hillsides and mountaintops and create breathtaking nighttime displays. Perhaps the most popular celebration occurs at the 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 public holiday throughout Switzerland, which means that business hours differ considerably. Typically, this means that everything is closed, including S wiss supermarkets and grocery stores. 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. 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 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 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. Our personal expat experience from the Switzerland National Day on August 1st, while based in Lugano, Switzerland. Such a fun day! On Swiss National Day, Switzerland becomes a festive country: Festivals and celebrations take place all over the country. People start the day with a delicious Swiss National Day brunch, then go on an excursion or visit a National Day celebration, and finally enjoy the fireworks and bonfires. When is the National Day of Switzerland? Switzerland celebrates its national day on August 1 every year. The day commemorates the birth of the Swiss confederation over 700 years ago in 1291. History of Swiss National Day At the time of the original Federal Charter, the Habsburgs were trying to secure a North-to-South route through Switzerland via the Gotthard Pass. The two cantons at the time, Uri Schwyz and Unterwalden, decided to stand together against outside aggressors. 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. 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. In Säntis, there was an 80 x 80-meter Swiss flag hanging on the side of a mountain. Swiss National Day On 1 August, Switzerland commemorates the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291, in which the localities of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden pledged to help each other if attacked. Explore Switzerland's National Day (August 1st): Discover its rich history, vibrant traditions, and exciting festivities. Learn how Swiss citizens celebrate! 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. 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. 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.
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