An official national holiday in Switzerland since 1994, this day celebrates the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy.
Inspired by the date of the Federal Charter of 1291, which occured in "early August," the holiday has been celebrated on 1 August on an annual basis since 1994 with town-wide paper lantern parades, bonfires, hanging strings of Swiss flags and fireworks.
A speech by the President of the Confederation currently in office reminds the Swiss that their cities are united in cantons, which in turn makes the Helvetic Confederation. Speeches, songs and music, gymnastic shows, group performances of the Swiss national anthem and fireworks serve as a reminder of the expulsion of foreign bailiffs in the 14th century.
In some communities, 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.
The Rhine Falls Illumination
The Rhine Falls at Neuhausen am Rheinfall in the Canton of Schaffhouse illuminates its 25 meter high waterfalls for the national holiday.
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
Rütlischwur
At the historic location of Rütli Meadow above Lake Lucerne, a representational celebration is staged on Swiss National Day in the location where a legendary pledge of alliance, the Rütlischwur, is said to have taken place.
Augustweggen
Augustweggen is a special buttery zopf bread baked in a special shape and decorated with little Swiss flags to celebrate Swiss National Day.
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