Aug 01, 2024
Switzerland National Day 2024
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle celebrates Switzerland National Day! This public holiday commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation. On this day in 1291, the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed a Federal Charter that ensured protection and unity against outsiders.
Switzerland National Day was first celebrated 600 years after the historic pact was formed, in 1899. The main ceremony is hosted on the legendary Rütli Meadow, where the three cantons originally met to solidify the pact. Many enjoy traditional dishes like rösti (potato cakes), zopf (bread rolls), or cervelat (Switzerland’s national sausage) throughout the day.
At night, bonfires blaze upon mountaintops and firework shows illuminate the sky and Swiss flags, like the one waving in today’s Doodle, are flown across the country.
Happy National Day, Switzerland!
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