Today, 1st August, is the National Day of Switzerland, since I am now in Switzerland, I share their joy to celebrate it together!
How did this event come about? In fact, it was a result of an agreement called "Federal Charter of 1291" signed by 3 patriots from 3 cantons: Uri , Schwytz, Nidwald, in August 1291 in a place called Rütli, situated in Brunnen, and the exact date is not clear. So this year it is the 717th anniversary!
Despite that this date was first celebrated in 1891 in Berne in commemeration with the 600th anniversary, it had not been an official holiday until 1994, following a public vote (In Switzerland, in order to implement a new rule, the swiss people have first to vote directly) on the 26 September 1993.
So what do the swiss do on their National Day? according to some sources on the internet, they will have bonfire, fireworks, lantern cortege etc after the nightfall. For example, here in Lausanne, there will be a official festival at Ouchy, a place near the lake side. We will check it out if it is not raining!
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