Happy Swiss Day!

Today, 1 August, we are celebrating Swiss National Day here in Switzerland. 

The date was inspired by the date of the Federal Charter of 1291, placed in "early August" (primo incipiente mense Augusto). The document is one of several dozen pacts that established the territory of Switzerland in the period from the mid 13th to the mid 14th century.   The 1 August date has only been an official holiday since 1994, the year I first arrived, although I didn't get here until October that year and so missed the first official celebration.  The holiday is celebrated each year at the communal level with paper lantern parades, bonfires, festooning buildings with strings of Swiss flags, including the flags of the various cantons, and fireworks.

My own commune sent out a flyer last week providing the schedule for those of us who are still around.  Many of my neighbors either are still on vacation or recently left because August is also the biggest month for vacations here.  For those of us who remain, events began this morning at 10:30 with the local lake coast guard group (Sauvetage) offering short boat rides along the lakefront, departing from the boat landing.  Grilled sausages and fries are available throughout the day, for a price.  At 18:00, the Municipality will offer all of us who show up a "Glass of Friendship" (verre de l'amitié), that is, a celebratory drink free of charge and at 19:00, a meal of roast meat, scalloped potatoes (gratin) and green beans is available for CHF 15, while grilled specialities and fries will also be available throughout the evening. 

At 20:30, bells will ring throughout all the communes; at 20:30 the Pacte of 1291 will be read aloud by the syndic (local mayor).  The reading will be followed by a short speech from another local dignitary.  Then the Swiss national anthem will be sung, followed by the parade with lit lanterns and the lighting of a bonfire.

The singing of the Swiss national anthem is best described as a major challenge.  We have all received the words, so that's not a problem.  But the melody is hardly what one would think of as a "catchy" tune.  After most of us struggle through it, there always ensues a discussion as to why one should select a different song as the national anthem, but of course, that never happens.

When it officially turns dark, each commune will set off fireworks.  I have not been present in Switzerland to celebrate the National Day for some years.  But I remember how much fun it is to sit near the lakefront and watch the fireworks go off around the lake as the various communes implement their celebrations.  Fortunately, this year we have had enough rain so that the fireworks displays have not been cancelled, as occasionally happens.  We also have an absolutely beautiful day for a celebration today!

I noticed that New York City is also celebrating Swiss National Day today!

A vous tous, Bonne Fête de Suisse!