1st August is Swiss National Day -- the national holiday of Switzerland
1 August is the National Day of Switzerland and is an official national holiday. The Swiss have celebrated their country's National Day on this date for more than a century, and have observed a national celebration of the creation of their country for over 600 years (for more information on the history of this holiday, see Wikipedia: Swiss National Day.)
Display of Flags to Mark Swiss National Day, Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Swizerland, Europe Photographic Print -- Ruth, Tomlinson
How do the Swiss celebrate Switzerland's National Day?
This holiday is an important one in the Swiss calendar and everybody who can has time off work to celebrate. The Swiss national anthem can also be heard throughout the day and the President of the Confederation makes an official speech of unity which is broadcast to the nation by radio and television.
There are carnivals in the towns with parades, marching bands and flag throwing. There might even be alphorn music. People dress up in their canton's traditional costume and join in the procession.
Later in the evening people celebrate around bonfires and watch spectacular fireworks displays. Because it is summertime, these celebrations can last until late into the night.
Swiss National Anthem
What to eat on Swiss National Day
Image Credit:
Love Switzerland - Swiss heart mousepad by Mountain Crazy Gifts
If you are holding a party or cooking a special meal to celebrate Swiss National Day, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to delicious Swiss cuisine.
For an idea that is both fun and typically Swiss, why not have a cheese fondue as your centrepiece? Use a good swiss cheese for melting (e.g. Gruyere, Emmental, Appenzeller), a little white wine, and pieces of firm bread for dipping. This authentic Swiss fondue recipe will give you some more tips.
What else might you eat to celebrate Swiss National Day? How about Rösti? These delicious patties are made from grated potato that has been fried, possibly with the addition of bacon or cheese.
To drink, you have a choice of wines produced from Swiss-grown grapes. For a soft drink that's made in Switzerland, try a glass of Rivella.
Swiss desserts include creamy dishes and cakes, but you could just tuck into some of that wonderful Swiss chocolate or schoggi as it is known in Swiss-German!
Enjoy the National Day of Switzerland!
Switzerland National Flag -- Fabric Poster
