How Switzerland celebrates its national holiday
Published: Thursday, Aug 1st 2024, 04:50
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Hundreds of celebrations have been announced throughout Switzerland for the national holiday today, August 1. The members of the national government are completing a veritable speech marathon at home and abroad. Heavy thunderstorms could throw a spanner in the works at one or other of the festive locations.
The newest member of the Federal Council, Justice Minister Beat Jans, speaks to the public at a farmers' brunch in Schüpfen BE this morning. Like Jans, thousands of other people are expected to attend the traditional 1st August brunches on farms. A total of 280 farms are taking part in the traditional event, according to the Swiss Farmers' Union (SBV).
There are celebrations and parades up and down the country. The Bundesplatz and Bundesgasse in Bern become an event mile. In the Federal Palace, Eva Herzog, President of the Council of States, and Eric Nussbaumer, President of the National Council, invite the public to a discussion in the National Council chamber.
In Zurich, for example, there is a celebration in the early evening, preceded by a parade. In Zermatt VS, the national celebration takes place at the Leisee lake at over 2200 meters above sea level.
No magistrate on the Rütli
In addition to Beat Jans, other members of the Federal Council will also be making appearances and giving speeches on August 1. In total, the members of the government will be making 18 speeches over the coming days. The busiest is Energy Minister Albert Rösti with seven appearances, five of them today. Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter will give her speech in New York in front of the Swiss Consulate General.
This year's official celebration on the Rütli meadow in central Switzerland will have to do without the Federal Councillor - despite various invitations. One of the reasons for this is scheduling problems. The theme of the celebration organized by the Swiss Society for the Common Good (SGG) is "StadtLand".
Meanwhile, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), is to give a speech as guest of honor in Lausanne. This led to some outrage in the run-up to the event. Israel accuses UNRWA employees of being close to Hamas. The organization rejected the accusations.
Will the rain spoil the party?
Many event organizers are worried about the weather. On Wednesday, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider had to cancel her speech in Rorschach SG due to a heavy thunderstorm. Rain and heavy thunderstorms are also forecast for today in many places. Several celebrations have been moved indoors as a precaution. For example, the federal celebration in Chur, which will take place in the town hall due to uncertain weather forecasts.
The traditional bonfires on the seven peaks of the Churfirsten were initially canceled. The weather on Wednesday and the forecast for Thursday were too bad. Numerous bonfires are planned in total - including in central Switzerland on the Rigi and Fronalpstock SZ or on the Stafelalp near Davos GR.
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