Sat, 26 May 2012
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Celebrate the founding of the Swiss Confederation with festivities throughout Switzerland.Since 1891, the first of August has been celebrated as Swiss National Day. The date refers to an alliance formed in 1291 by the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, the centre around which Switzerland was built.
Each Swiss commune offers a day of federal unity by organising firework displays, concerts, public speeches or presentations. Thousands of people attend festivities in the largest cities (Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Bern and Lugano). The main celebrations take place at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen and at the Ruetli Meadows alongside Lake Lucerne.
The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen are illuminated on 1 August, and a fireworks display attracts throngs of spectators to this special site. Visit their official website here. 
A representative celebration is staged at the Rütli Meadow in the canton of Uri above Lake Lucerne. It takes place in the same place where the legendary pledge of alliance was pronounced. Visit the Rutli Commission website here (French/German only).
Zurich observes Bundesfeier from 10h30 with a procession to Bürkliplatz. Politician Doris Leuthard will speak at the official ceremony, followed by a public festival. For more information visit the Zurich tourism website.
Basel celebrates the National Day one day early, on Friday 31 July. The major city festival takes place on the Rhine with food, music and fireworks from 17h00 to 01h00. For more information, visit the Basel tourism website.
Geneva’s official festivities, including speeches, paper lantern parade, bonfire, costume contest and fireworks, are held in the Bastions Park. 
Bern celebrates with a lantern procession, bonfire on the Gurten and of course fireworks. Visit the Bern website for details.
Lugano begins festivities on 1 August with a drum procession at 6h00, and continues to celebrate with speeches, concerts, and fireworks. Learn more about visiting here.
Expatica 2009
How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.
Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.
Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.
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