Swiss National Day Celebrations in the Basel Region

July 31 and August 1

Cities all across Switzerland mark their National Day on August 1 with celebrations of all kinds, mostly consisting of food, drink, music, and fireworks. In Basel, more than 120,000 people come into town on the eve of Swiss National Day (July 31) to celebrate along the Rhein. There are festival stands, music on various stages, and a spectacular fireworks display at 23:00, which is launched from two barges on the Rhein, near Mittlere Brücke.

Basel’s official celebration of Swiss National Day actually takes place on August 1 on the Bruderholz. In the park around the water tower, the evening will be celebrated with music, dance, a circus show, plenty of children’s activities, a speech by Basel’s president of the Grand Council, singing of the national anthem, and an impressive laser light show with fireworks and a water show.

Many of the smaller communities around Basel also have their own Swiss National Day celebrations, mostly on the day itself. The following is a short list of what is happening in various communities. To get more detailed information about the day’s events, check with your local Gemeinde (town offices) around mid-July.

photos: © kanton basel-stadt

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