Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Swiss National Day in Lugano: August 1st!

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
Mark Twain

The 1st of August - Switzerland's National Day - is celebrated everywhere, as it always has been, with meetings in town squares, fetes, fireworks and bonfires. Swiss flags wave all over the country, folk and traditional music enlivens the entire day, while kids have fun setting off firecrackers and parading through the villages with traditional lanterns.


The institution of the National Celebration Day dates back to 1891, but it actually celebrates an event 700 years old and indeed, the heart of the celebrations is based on a tradition more than a thousand years old. To celebrate the homeland, this day was chosen because right on the 1st of August 1291, three of the alpine cantons (Uri, Schwitz and Unterwalden) vowed to be faithfull to the Confederation, the act considered as the foundation of Switzerland and which took place on Grütli field, overlooking the Vierwaldstättersee.


National Holiday Celebration of Monday, August 1st and Fireworks in Lugano:

06.00 Reveille with the Drums
10.15 Meeting of the authorities in the Patio of the Town Council
10.30 Laying of the wreath at the Monument of Independence
11.00 Concert of the Castagnola Philharmonic Orchestra in Piazza della Riforma
20.30 Meeting of the Authorities and Associations of Via Nassa
20.45 Departure of the cortege of the Authorities (Route: Via Nassa, Piazza Battaglini, Riva Vela, Rivetta Tell, Via Canova, Via degli Albrizzi, Piazza Manzoni, Piazza Riforma)
21.15 Commemorative speech
21.45 Concert in Piazza della Riforma by the Civic Philharmonic of Lugano
22.30 Grand fireworks display

View the detailed programme by clicking here: www.lugano-tourism.ch

The Navigation Society of Lake Lugano will be organizing an observation deck on a boat from which to fully enjoy the excitement of the fireworks display. Click here.



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