Updated 31 July, 2025

Swiss National Day is almost upon us, and if you’re planning to stay in town (instead of jetting off somewhere like some people do!), you might be wondering what actually happens on this day. Are there fireworks, barbecues, concerts? What kind of traditions and celebrations are really expected?

August 1st is so much more than just a public holiday. Swiss National Day commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation way back in 1291, when the original three cantons swore the Rütli Oath. It’s a day of national pride, unity, and a vibrant celebration of freedom, democracy, and being Swiss. For us expats, it’s a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into the local culture and truly embrace your home away from home.

• Swiss traditions you might not know about
• What’s happening in Geneva?
• Hot tips to remember

Swiss Traditions You Might Not Know About:

There are quite a few charming traditions that offer a unique glimpse into Swiss culture:

• The Lampion (Lantern) Parade: A Fun Activity for Families This is a wonderful tradition to partake in, especially if you have kids! Many communes and neighborhoods, including Geneva city around the lake, host Lampion parades. Children carry illuminated paper lanterns as they parade through the streets. It’s incredibly charming and sets a beautiful, festive tone for the national day celebrations.
  • 🔥 Hot tip: You can usually buy these simple paper lanterns (and sticks with lights) at larger supermarkets like Coop and Migros in the weeks leading up to August 1st. Grab one, join a local parade, and enjoy the magical vibes.
    
• The August 1st Farm Brunch (Brunch à la Ferme / Buurezmorge): This is perhaps one of the most authentically Swiss ways to start your National Day, especially if you want the chance to enjoy the beautiful Geneva countryside. Many farms across Switzerland open their doors for a massive, delicious traditional brunch featuring local produce, fresh cheeses, homemade bread, and often accompanied by alphorn music or cowbell ringing! It’s a true taste of Swiss agricultural life.
  • 🔥 Hot tip: This is incredibly popular and requires booking well in advance. Check Paysans Suisse for a list of participating farms in the Geneva region and make your reservations ASAP. If spots are filled up, it is worth emailing the farms directly if they can accommodate additional spots.
    
• Bonfires (Feux de Joie): A fiery tradition – You’ll often see impressive bonfires blazing across Switzerland on August 1st. It’s an ancient tradition that was primarily used as a means of communication in tribal communities, showing other groups where they are or if there was danger. Today, these “fires of joy” symbolize unity and can be a spectacular sight, often organized by local communes or communities on hillsides. While the city of Geneva has its main bonfire at Parc La Grange, look out for smaller ones in the surrounding countryside as well.

What’s happening in Geneva specifically?

Here’s the lowdown on how the city and surrounding communes will be celebrating:

City of Geneva

All national day activities will take place in La Grange Parc in Eaux-Vives. There will be loads of performances, fun activities, food stands, and more starting from 3pm. It’s a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and friends.

You can find the full program here and a map of where all the festivities will take place in. Here are some activities we’re excited for:

• 15:00 – 20:00 – Variety of kid friendly activities in the Children’s Village 
• 19:15 – 22:15 – Traditional Swiss music performances (choral, alphorn etc)
• 20:45 – 21:30 – Lantern procession @ Villa La Grange
• 21:30 – 22:00 – Bonfire time 

Your local commune

If you don’t want to venture into the city, take comfort in knowing that each commune will have its own, often more intimate and genuinely local celebrations planned! This is a fantastic way to truly experience your local community spirit and also not travel too far. Most celebrations start around 18:00 (6 PM) and go until midnight. Expect lantern making, official speeches, traditional yodeling, DJ sets, musical performances, food stalls, bonfires, and often their own impressive fireworks displays.

TDG.ch has a wonderful round up of all the events and activities from each commune, including a nice interactive map (in French). We highlighted a few communes of interest but be sure to check out your local official commune site for the most up-to-date and detailed information:

• Bernex – Lantern making, yodeling concert, DJ sets and more starting from 6pm to midnight.
• Carouge – Food stalls, kids rides, lantern making, and more starting from 6pm
• Collonge-Bellerive – Fireworks as early as 9:15pm
• Cologny – Fireworks at 10pm
• Jussy – 8km walk, bell ringing, bonfires, light show 
• Lancy – Bonfire, fireworks and fireshow promised at 10pm
• Pregny-Chambésy – Fireworks at 10pm
• Satigny – Fireworks at 10pm

Hot Tips to Remember for a Smooth August 1st

• Stock up: August 1 is a public holiday, meaning most shops will be closed! Plan ahead and stock up for any BBQ supplies or picnic snacks.
• Public Transport Changes: Expect public transport schedules to be reduced to a Sunday timetable. If you’re heading to the main city events, consider walking or cycling if possible, as roads around the lake might be closed or very busy.
• Respect the Rules: If you plan to set off your own small fireworks (only where permitted!), be sure to follow all local regulations and safety guidelines. Remember, bonfires are generally organized events, not something you do in your backyard.

Happy National Day, Switzerland! And happy celebrating our home away from home ❤️🇨🇭