Happy Birthday Switzerland

Swiss National Day, which celebrates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291 takes place every August 1. It is unsure whether the date is correct but it was chosen because the Federal Charter stated that the joining of the first three Cantons took place in early August. Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden agreed to eternal allegiance and promised to provide mutual help and assistance to each other whenever needed. This alliance built the foundation of what is now Switzerland over the following 500 years.

To celebrate Jeannie and Patrick held a potluck style bbq. Everyone brought something and we enjoyed a feast of ribs, pasta, potatoes, salad, grilled vegetables and more. It was so nice to spend the day with good food and amazing friends!

Before the feast!

After a day of bbq-ing and relaxing in the sun we headed down to the center to see the fireworks over Lake Lugano. I have never seen Lugano so crowded in my entire time being here and think everyone who lived in and around Lugano came out for the show! We ended up parking outside of the city and walking in, so we stopped for some pre firework gelato.

Caving for our gelato addiction

At around 10:30 the fireworks began for an amazing half hour show. The show was much bigger than anything I have seen in the states. It was broken into three different sets and seemed more choreographed making it seem that much more spectacular. I liked how the entire city and surrounding areas went to the same show because it allowed the city to put on one large show instead of a bunch of smaller ones. However, the finale was not like the ones in the states, as it wasn't as grand, it seemed as though the show just ended.

Swiss Colored fireworks

More fireworks

This was the first time that I was able to experience another country's national holiday. I really enjoyed my day and celebrating it with the friends I have grown so close with. Hopefully I will be back to celebrate August 1 again!