August 1st marks the celebration of Swiss National Day. This colorful Swiss holiday is marked with speeches, bonfires, barbecues, music, and gymnastic shows.
The official celebrations take place on the Rütli, culminating in a speech by the federal president. Every municipality in Switzerland lights its own bonfire and sets off fireworks. Children parade through the streets with paper lanterns – often decorated with the Swiss cross or the cantonal coat-of-arms – and people burn candles in their windows. For many, the Swiss National Day is the perfect opportunity to share a meal and spend some quality time with family and friends.
A special kind of celebration takes place at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. From mid-nineteenth century onwards, the waterfall has been illuminated on special occasions. Since 1920, it has been illuminated regularly on August 1, and since 1966 exclusively so. On the same day, a magnificent fireworks display also attracts throngs of spectators to this special site.
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