Today is Swiss Day in Switzerland

Where else would an entire populace be celebrating Swiss Day but in Switzerland? And a happy celebration at that!

The 1st of August, Swiss Day, is celebrated as a memorial for the Rütischwuur, the founding of the Swiss Federation in 1291. To show their allegiance to Switzerland on August 1, many people decorate their houses with the Swiss and county flags.

In the local villages a celebration usually takes place in the afternoon or evening where each village have their own unique traditions. Often a regional or nationally known person delivers a speech and then there is some sort of concert or band music afterwards. Citizens meet up in the town square to sit together with friends, talk and eat something. At twilight various towns and villages set off fireworks as part of the celebrations. Due to the topography of Switzerland, citizens can see the fireworks, which are set off in the mountains, from many miles away, and even from separate villages at the same time. In addition, on many peaks and hills large bonfires shaped like cones can be seen. They are visible from far away and are a reminder of the burning castles after the liberation of the slaves in the Swiss Cantons. In Basil, a large city in Switzerland, as well as other smaller cities and towns, celebrations begin the night before, with bonfires, dances, and merrymaking.

( Add your comments )

Recent Entries:
· Get out your sewing projects!
· National Sewing Month
· National Eye Exam Month?

[ READER COMMENTS ]

Today is Swiss Day in Switzerland

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.