The Swiss National Day is celebrated every year on August 1st. It took us hardworking Swiss a while to declare it an official holiday. Although this day has been celebrated regularly since August 1, 1891, it wasn't until 1994 that it became an official holiday.
Why August 1st?
Although the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy has been mostly associated with the "Rütlischwur" in 1307 (oath of the Old Swiss Confederacy) and the "Bund of Brunnen" of 1315, the date is inspired by the Federal Charter (Bundesbrief) of 1291 which is considered one of Switzerland's most important founding documents. It opens with the words: "In the year of the lord 1291, at the beginning of the month of August" - and so August 1st was declared Swiss National Day.
The tradition of "August bonfires" dates back to ancient times when beacons from mountain tops warned inhabitants from intruders. If this tradition keeps bonfires alive or just the fun of it, I am not sure.
When growing up, history wasn't one bit on our minds. It felt more like early Christmas. Our parents bought us cone and rocket shaped fireworks, "bengal" matches and firecrackers. It was hard to keep still until nightfall, when we were officially allowed to "play with fire".
Usually we spend the Swiss National Day celebrations in one of our alpine huts. It's not a showy affair, rather time spent with families and our closest neighbours.
The fun begins way earlier than August 1st. The week before the National Day, every free minute is used collecting fire wood and piling it high into an impressive heap to make sure our bonfire will be seen far and wide. And of course there's also a little competition going on between the bonfire-builders all over the valley.
When August 1st arrives we stick flags into flower boxes on windowsills. As soon as night falls, we set fire to the wood pile and children light paper lanterns and begin to startle each other and grown-ups with fire crackers.
We gather around the fire, stick the lanterns in the ground, maybe someone starts to play "Schwiizerörgeli" (typical Swiss accordion) or guitar, we might dance a little and sing our national anthem and a few other songs while waiting for the fire to subside so we can start grilling "Cervelats" (Swiss Sausages) over the remains of the fire.
Every community celebrates the Swiss National Day with bonfires and fireworks, speeches by dignitaries, singing the Swiss national anthem, illuminating paper lanterns, flag throwing and folklore entertainment. Some celebrate more elaborate than others, but it's always a fun party!
Following a few places where festivities are taken further than just the simple celebration our family and friends observe. Below you find regional Google maps, so no matter where you spend Swiss National Day, you'll find easily a place to join the party.
When you open the blue place-marks you find a link to the town or community since festivities start at different times and some even celebrate on July 31.
The three cantons Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden swore eternal allegiance to one another, promising mutual help and assistance. The alliance was mainly formed against the Habsburg, who were striving to strengthen their position in the strategic region leading to the Gotthard Pass.
More and more farms offer brunch with their own products on August 1st. Start off the day with a hearty breakfast. This is a fun for the whole family. Over 400 farms participate in this event. Unfortunately, the site is not in English. The farms are indexed by Canton. Tourist offices will be able to tell you where the closest Farm brunch will be. Make a reservation in advance.
Sources:
Federal Charter of 1291
Rütli Info
Niklaus von Flüe
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