Thursday 1st August 2024 is Swiss National Day – an official National Holiday since 1994. It celebrates the day in 1291 that the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed the Letter of Confederation, pledging to help each other in the case of an attack.
There are many ways of celebrating this day throughout the country within the cantons; brunch at your local farm, bonfires, fireworks, children carrying lanterns with the Swiss flag and friends and families getting together.
Political Commitment is in the Spotlight this year in Nyon
Nyon’s National Day will highlight the contributions of two important people: Ms. Jessica Jaccoud, a National Councilor and former member of both the Grand Council and Nyon’s Municipal Council, and Mr. Daniel Grosjean, President of the Municipal Council. The event, led by Mr. Olivier Riesen, Municipal Councilor, will start on the Esplanade des Marronniers and move to the Rive area in the evening for fireworks and a bonfire. Children will receive flags, and there will be a lantern-making workshop at the Musée du Léman for a fun, creative activity.
Ecumenical Celebration
The Municipality-organized National Day will kick off at 10:15 on the Esplanade des Marronniers with an ecumenical celebration which is a religious event or service that involves or is open to people from different Christian denominations. In the event of rain, it will move to the town hall in Perdtemps. Following the ceremony, participants can enjoy an aperitif, fostering a friendly community atmosphere.
Evening Aperitif
At 19:45, the City of Nyon will host a popular aperitif on the Esplanade des Marronniers, accompanied by the lively tunes of the Municipal Band. Children in attendance will be given flags to wave in celebration.
Official Ceremony
The official ceremony, commencing at 20:25, will be inaugurated by the pealing bells of the temple and Catholic church, harmonized with the Municipal Band and the Nyon Singers. Highlights include:
- Reading of the Federal Pact of 1291 by Mr. Daniel Grosjean.
- Patriotic Prayer and message from Mr. Kevin Bonzon, Pastor at the EERV.
- Patriotic speech by Ms. Jessica Jaccoud.
- Closing with the national anthem.
Procession
Around 21:15, a procession led by the Nyon Abbey and the Municipal Band will depart from the Esplanade des Marronniers to Place des Fêtes de Rive. The procession will follow the Route du Cordon, Quais Louis-Bonnard and Quais des Alpes, and Rue de Rive, with traffic halted during this time.
Fireworks and Bonfire
At 22:15 down at the lake will be the much anticipated spectacular fireworks display and a traditional bonfire. Nyon Castle will be beautifully decorated with the colors of the federal flag.
Lantern-Making Workshop
In preparation for the festivities, the Musée du Léman will host a lantern-making workshop on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 14:00 to 16:00. Children aged 4 and above, with or without parental accompaniment, can decorate and assemble their own lanterns. The two-hour workshop costs 7 francs per lantern, including a snack. To register, contact the museum by phone, email, or visit their website.
- Phone: 022 316 42 50
- Email: info@museeduleman.ch
Happy Swiss National Day!
