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.

• Allschwil (Läubern)
  July 31, 18:00-02:00
  This event, with a panoramic view over Basel, will include speeches, a stage with acts, a children’s lantern parade, and fireworks.
• Basel (along the Rhein)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  There will be party stands with food and drink, live music, large fireworks display at 23:00, as well as many privately launched fireworks (avoid open shoes and keep kids close).
• Basel-Bruderholz (water tower)
  August 1, starting at 18:00
  The evening includes traditional and modern music, dance groups, circus, official speech (20:40), a bonfire, singing of the national anthem (22:10), and a big fireworks display at 22:15; this is the official celebration for Basel-Stadt.
• Bettingen (Gemeindehausplatz)
  August 1, 18:00-23:30
  There will be party tents with food and entertainment, speeches, national anthem, live music, a lampion procession, as well as fireworks with musical accompaniment.
• Binningen (Schloss Binningen)
  August 1, 16:00-24:00
  There will be a lantern workshop, bouncy castle and other kids’ activities, party stands, speeches, dance music and concert, lantern parade, and a laser show.
• Laufen (im Stedtli)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  There will be party tents with food and entertainment, speeches, a children’s parade starting at 21:00, and live music all night.
• Liestal (Sichtern)
  August 1, starting at 17:00
  The celebrations include party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, lampion parade, bonfire, and fireworks.
• Münchenstein (Areal Obere Loog)
  August 1, 18:00-24:00
  Here you can find activities for kids, including a bouncy castle and lantern parade, as well as plenty of musical entertainment. There will also be a grill fired-up by the scouts of Münchenstein, drinks, and plenty of fun.
• Oberwil (Schulanlage Falter)
  August 1, starting at 19:00
  There will be plenty of activities for the kids, party stands, speeches, live entertainment, and dance music. A lampion parade at 21:30 will lead to the bonfire, which will be lit at 22:00.
• Rheinfelden (Kurbrunnenanlage)
  August 1, 18:00-23:15
  There will be party stands, speeches, a lantern parade through the old town, singing of the national anthem, and fireworks with music.
• Riehen (Sarasin Park)
  August 1, 18:00-24:00
  There will be an extensive program for children and families with circus entertainment, lantern parade, food stands, bars, and plenty of entertainment. The evening will be crowned by a fireworks display. Party and dance atmosphere are guaranteed until midnight.
• Therwil (Mehrzweckhalle)
  July 31, 18:00-24:00
  There will be party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, games, and a lampion parade.

photos: © kanton basel-stadt

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