The Swiss National Day is the national holiday of Switzerland, set on August 1.

In 1291, the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden united to defend the peace upon the death of Emperor Rudolf I of Habsburg. Their union, one nucleus of the Old Swiss Confederacy, is recorded in the Federal Charter.

If it’s true that you can judge a country’s image of itself by its National Day, then Switzerland definitely offers a relaxing sight. No military parades and no grandiose speeches on Lebensraum (living space).

On August the first, the whole country gathers in public places around bonfires and listens to speeches about the independence of the country from the Austrian rulers. The first of August is celebrated solely in the municipalities. They set off fireworks, and these spectacular light shows are often ignited from the mountains and hills.

I am proud to be Swiss, and on this solemn day, I wish everyone to live in a democratic country, at peace with itself and with the other countries.