Cities all across Switzerland mark their National Day with celebrations of all kinds, mostly consisting of food, drink, music, and fireworks. In Basel, the celebrations start on the Rhein with a spectacular fireworks display on July 31, and continue with the official celebrations on the Bruderholz—filled with music, food, dance, singing, speeches, a lantern procession, a bonfire, and a laser fire show—on August 1.

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.

• Aesch (Mühleplatz)
  August 1, starting at 17:30
  Party tents with food and entertainment, speeches, and live music
• Allschwil (Läubern)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  A restaurant with family prices will offer food starting at 18:00. There will be three show acts, a greeting message of the municipality and the festive speech with the national anthem. Before it gets completely dark, the children are invited to a lantern procession from Winzerweg to the festival square. After the big fireworks with musical accompaniment, the stage will be available for dancing to DJ music.
• Basel (along the Rhein)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  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
  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, starting at 18:00
  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, starting at 15:00
  Party stands, speeches, music, a “jass” (Swiss card game) tournament, “schwingen” (Swiss wrestling) show, lampion parade, and a contemporary circus art that plays virtuously with gravity and fire, humor and music, grace and power.
• Laufen (Rathausplatz)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  Party tents with food and entertainment, speeches, and live music.
• Liestal (Chornschüre)
  August 1, starting at 17:00
  Party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, lampion parade, bonfire, and fireworks.
• Muttenz (Gemeindeplatz)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  Party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, ringing of church bells, lampion parade, bonfire on Wartenberg.
• Oberwil (Schulhaus Wehrlin)
  August 1, starting at 17:00
  Party stands, speeches, live entertainment, dance music, lampion parade, and a fireworks show; additionally, play4you will be on-hand for plenty of fun and games.
• Pratteln (festival area for the Schwingfest [ESAF] at the edge of town)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  Party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, and more; shuttle busses from Pratteln to the festival area are available.
• Rheinfelden, CH (Kurbrunnenanlage)
  August 1, starting at 18:00
  Party stands, speeches, and musical entertainment.
• Riehen (Sarasin Park)
  August 1, starting at 18:00
  Extensive program for children and families, food, and entertainment from 19:00–22:00, singing of the national anthem, entertainment, fireworks at 22:30, and party atmosphere until midnight.
• Therwil (Mehrzweckhalle)
  July 31, starting at 18:00
  Party stands, speeches, musical entertainment, games, and more.

photos: © kanton basel-stadt

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