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The picture shows a scene on a square in Bern, Switzerland, during the 1st August celebrations. In the foreground is a person on a red bicycle with a mobile stand, surrounded by several people who are talking to her or buying something. Various stands with white pavilions can be seen in the background, as well as buildings with flags of various cantons. The atmosphere is summery and lively, with people relaxing and enjoying the event.

1st of August Celebration in Bern

Switzerland celebrates its birthday! The federal city is offering its guests a range of fun experiences and festivities for young and old to mark the bank holidays.
01August2024
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Bright lanterns and fluttering flags: To celebrate Helvetia's birthday, a garden party will be held on the Bundesplatz from 11:00 to 23:00. From a family programme with children's theatre, a lantern parade and free city tours to the city garden with market character, there is something for everyone. So much activity naturally makes you hungry: it's a good thing that various food trucks will be parked on the Bundesplatz on this day, offering their tasty treats. There's also a large charcoal barbecue that you can use yourself.

The picture shows the Federal Palace in Bern, Switzerland, during the . August celebration. Numerous people are gathered in front of the building, enjoying the sunny weather and the festive atmosphere. The flags of various Swiss cantons can be seen above the entrance to the Federal Palace. White pavilions and a climbing wall can be seen in the foreground. The architecture of the Bundeshaus is imposing, with a large dome and the Latin inscription "Curia Confoederationis Helveticae". The scene is lively and inviting, typical of a public celebration such as the Swiss National Day.
© Bern Welcome

This is just a small selection of the key points of the day: every year, the federal city surprises anew with a unique festive programme. Registrations for the free city tours organised by Bern Welcome will be accepted from 10:00 a.m. at the mobile tourist information point on Bundesplatz. The guided tours only take place on 1 August,  start every hour from 11:30 to 16:30 and last half an hour each. The following free themed tours are on the programme:

Did you know? 1 August has only been officially recognised as a non-working holiday in Switzerland since the early 1990s.

Das Bild zeigt das Bundeshaus in Bern, Schweiz, während einer nächtlichen Lichtshow. Die Fassade des Gebäudes ist mit kunstvollen Projektionen beleuchtet, darunter Bilder von Giraffen und anderen Tieren, die eine lebendige und magische Szene schaffen. Eine große Menschenmenge hat sich vor dem Bundeshaus versammelt, um die beeindruckende Lichtshow zu bewundern und fotografiert die Projektionen. Die Veranstaltung findet in einer festlichen Atmosphäre statt und hebt die architektonische Schönheit des Bundeshauses hervor, indem sie es in ein lebendiges Kunstwerk verwandelt.
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