How are you celebrating this year’s Swiss National Day on August 1?
Many official events have been cancelled this year. Are you celebrating the Swiss national holiday regardless? Let us know what you’re doing to mark the occasion!
I did as I always do. Stay home or escape CH. This day generally means most people forget their common sense and set off fireworks when other people are nearby. I've lost count of the number of horizontal rockets fired along the ground directly at people. So, 31st July, 1st Aug, I either stay inside at home or have a holiday in another country (if I can).
We decided to celebrate with a fondue on the patio. Unfortunately during the COVID crisis, the good Swiss cheeses are not easily available in Canada, so the result was not what we hoped. At least we were able to find a Fendant!
We had a quiet get-together and BBQ at our daughters house (big garden and deck) where we could distance. We decorated with flags and lampions. At dusk the 4 grandchildren went for a (distanced) parade around the neighbourhood with their Lampions, playing the Swiss anthem and the adults followed behind.
Many traditional 1 August events that the Swiss community in Australia normally organises could not take place this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. As an alternative, the four Australian Delegates of the Council of the Swiss Abroad organised contributions and messages from around Australia and Switzerland so everyone could enjoy some online Swissness - similar to the project missione1agosto of presence Suisse, however with lots of local content. https://www.csa-oceania.org/swiss-national-day-2020/
We've spent the day looking for jobs and apartmetns in Bavaria. They are a lot more sensible there, so our 3 children could get a better life.
Our family is done with any official celebrations. The country died when we had no referendum on any of the current measures. As such There is no point in ever voting in fake elections or respecting celebrations for a dead country. The politicians are not asking so we're not voting and they do not represent us. Pretty much just as pointless as celebrating the national day of the dead roman empire.
I just hope you stick to your promoting not voting again.
Do everyone a favour and stick to your promise of not voting.
People are free to do whatever. You talk as though people can't make their own decisions.
In the beautiful mountains of Arosa at the wonderful Tschuggen Hotel. One of the best places in the whole world, virus or no virus.
We’ll be deep in the mountains! Maybe we can spot some fireworks, if there are some (drought and dangers of fire). Best not to party with many others - but then, what is more Swiss than hiking in the alps? Good way to celebrate!
We’re streaming our celebration at 11h00 MST (GMT -7). Our agenda:Opening remarks Recognize dignitaries logged inPresent national day greeting for Swiss abroad from President SommaguraRemarks from local Honorary ConsulSwiss-Arizona trivia contest, winner gets Swiss fabric face mask and gift cardBest costume contestBest virtual background contestClosing with national anthem in the four languages
There’s nothing to celebrate
Here in Washington state, I would usually have my family over for raclette or fondue dinner. I would make some recipes from my Swiss cookbook. We would decorate the patio with Swiss flags and banners. I would have Swiss music playing. This year, however, it will just be my husband and myself. I will still decorate with flags but I will make a simple fondue dinner for us. My family looks forward to this every year so hopefully we can have a belated celebration at a later time.
We have a large garden in a small neighbourhood so we're setting up a table of drinks and light snacks outdoors and inviting the neighbours to drop by and help themselves and have a chat. If they're uncomfortable with the numbers - which can only be small anyway - they can come back later. Distancing is a must.
As nice as it would be to celebrate Swiss national day with many others, Covid cases are noticeably on the rise in Geneva this week. Sadly, it would be very unwise to gather in groups on Saturday.
We'll just do a quiet one - if the weather allows a hike and a bbq. Cervelat!!
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