Switzerland marks National Day under shadow of Covid-19
Big public firework displays have been cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions, but this valley had its own light show.
Keystone / Valentin Flauraud
Part of the Alps lit up on Friday night ahead of August 1 Swiss National Day celebrations under the shadow of Covid-19.
The mountain chains of Veisivi and Dent de Perroc, which rise to nearly 4,000 metres in the southern canton of Valais, glowed as magnesium powder was ignited in the event.
Thousands gathered below to watch the three-minute long display, at a safe distance from each other.
“Lots of people around Switzerland normally have fireworks to celebrate our national day, but they weren’t able to this year because of distancing regulations,” organiser Jacques Morard told Reuters.
National Day marks the legendary founding of Switzerland in 1291.
Gatherings of more than 1,000 people remain banned to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Traditional large public firework displays for August 1 have been cancelled but some smaller events are planned and politicians will be delivering speeches around the country.
The foreign ministry has launched a special websiteExternal link to help Swiss people abroad celebrate this “unusual August 1”.
Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga has also sent a message to the Swiss Abroad.
More
More
To the Swiss Abroad: ‘You represent Switzerland and its democratic values’
This content was published on
For Swiss National Day, the Swiss president addresses Swiss people living outside the country.
Bodycams: essential for good law enforcement, or a privacy risk?
Did you ever come across bodycams in your place of residence and if so, how do you think the use of bodycams alter the relationship between the public and (transport) police?
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Swiss government pensions come under pressure in parliament
This content was published on
A parliamentary committee is favour of scrapping the generous pensions enjoyed by former government ministers and federal judges.
This content was published on
Appointed in April as the EU's incoming ambassador, Slovak man Miroslav Lajčák will ultimately not take up the post in Bern this year.
SNB boss: as a leading financial hub, Swiss must accept risks
This content was published on
The outgoing head of the Swiss National Bank, Thomas Jordan, says the country should aim to preserve its leading financial position.
Top Swiss court rules against prostitution exclusion zone
This content was published on
The Federal Court ruled that a Swiss town went too far in banning prostitution within a 100-metre radius of certain sensitive locations.
First UN fact-finding report on Sudan released in Geneva
This content was published on
Numerous acts amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed in Sudan, according to UN investigators.
This content was published on
From the founding of Switzerland to William Tell. Lake Lucerne is the backdrop to the most iconic legends of the Swiss Confederation.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.