Each year, the August 1 is there Swiss National Daywhich commemorates the birth of the Confederation during the summer of 1291, following the pressures exerted by the Habsburgs on the cantons. More than seven centuries later, this event continues to be celebrated by official commemorations and various manifestations scattered throughout the country.
This year, we will summarize and report some of the proposals for reflection and entertainment planned between Geneva (Canton of Geneva) and Lausanne (Canton de Vaud), reserving the right to deal with other different places in the coming years.
The origins of a symbolic day
National holiday finds its roots in the founding myth of Switzerland, linked to Alliance pact signed in 1291 by “primitive cantons” (Uri, Schwyz and Unterwald) to resist Habsburg. This first confederal agreement, designed to guarantee autonomy and mutual security, is considered to be the original nucleus from which the real Swiss confederation will develop over the following centuries.
However, the anniversary of August 1 was institutionalized much later, becoming a national holiday until 1891 and a full -fledged holiday in 1994. At the same time, there is another curiously shared tradition, the federal fast, an interconfessional day of prayer and reflection which takes place every third Sunday in September.
Swiss national holiday in Geneva
The city of Geneva chose to link the celebrations of the Swiss national holiday of August 1 to the message of international engagement, with the Red Cross International Committee as guest of honor. The planned events will be part of the La Grange Park, which will welcome, from 3 p.m. to late in the evening, a continuous program of music, shows and participatory activities.
Thus, folk concerts and electronic sets, demonstrations of Cor of Alps and artistic workshops will alternate, while interactive spaces will be led by socially committed associations and realities. After the authorities’ speech and the concert of the Geneva Choral Circle, there will be a procession with lanterns and the traditional joy fire, as well as a DJ set outdoors at the end.
The Swiss National Day in Lausanne
Lausanne is also preparing for Swiss national holiday with a series of events spread over time and carefully distributed over the weekend Until Sunday August 3.
In the afternoon of Friday, August 1, the official commemoration and musical entertainment will begin, followed in the evening with the speech of Mayor Grégoire Junod. The celebration will be closed by the traditional fireworks fire drawn on the banks of the lake in Ouvy, as usual at 9:45 p.m.
The following days will be devoted to the Cultures meeting: Saturday August 2 will offer concerts and family moments, while Sunday 3, the program will give pride of place to music from foreign communities.
Read also: Fête de la Savoie: over 600 years ago was born the duchy
