Swiss National Holiday - 01.08.2011

Traditionally the national holiday in Switzerland is being celebrated on August 1. In Zurich the celebration begins with firing a salut. The Compagnie 1861, the cantonal corporal association from Zurich & Schaffhausen will fire with a 100 year old cannon. You should not miss the colourful festive procession with banners and in glorious traditional costumes. It starts at 10.30 a.m. at the Werdmühleplatz and goes through the Bahnhofstrasse to Bürkliplatz (weather depending). Different folklore music groups will entertain you in the afternoon and a variety of culinary specialities from different cantons are waiting to be tasted at the Bürkliplatz. The festival speech from the guest of honour and the reading of the confederation letter from 1291 form the highlight of the day.
Should you be in Zurich on this day, this event offers a good opportunity to get to know the Swiss tradition in an entertaining way. The Bahnhofstrasse and the Bürkliplatz are easily accessible from our hotel by the tram 2.