National Day of Switzerland

AUGUST 1 is National Day of Switzerland. Celebrated annually since 1994, Swiss National Day commemorates the date the Federal Charter of 1291, Pacte du Grutli, was signed by three Alpine cantons – Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden – which swore an “oath of confederation” and vowed to provide mutual support and protection. The action paved the way for the eventual foundation of Switzerland, and the document is considered the oldest constitution of Switzerland.

The day is celebrated each year with paper lantern parades, bonfires, hanging strings of Swiss flags, fireworks, and competitive rifle shooting matches (in advance of the September Knabenschiessen national shooting match).

Switzerland whose official name is Swiss Confederation, is a country in the central part of the European continent. It is a landlocked country bordered by Italy in the south, Germany in the north, France in the west, and Liechtenstein and Australia in the east. Bern, its capital city, was founded in 1191 by the Duke of Zahringen. It is famous for its arcades (Lauben) and some portions which have been preserved in their original state.

The Old City of Bern is home to Switzerland’s tallest cathedral and other churches, bridges, and a large collection of Renaissance fountains. Many historical buildings, the seats of the federal, cantonal, and municipal government are also situated in the Old City. It has been a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site since 1983. Numerous buildings in the Old City, as well as the entire Old City, have been designated as Swiss Cultural Properties of National Significance.

The Swiss are a humble and lawabiding people who, like Filipinos, are proud of their ethnic heritage and rich history and arts. Folk culture and arts are very much alive and practiced. Three major languages are spoken in the country – German, French, and Italian – and their influences are evident in of most Switzerland’s culture and traditions.

The Philippines and Switzerland have had good relations since 1957. The Philippines has an embassy in Bern and Switzerland has an embassy in Manila. In February, 2014, the Philippines and Switzerland held their 6th Bilateral Consultation in Makati City during which they signed an Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Economic Commission. They also exchanged views on various concerns, particularly in the area of education, finance, migration, and relevant regional and global issues.

We greet the People and Government of the Switzerland, led by the President of the Confederation Johann Schneider-Ammann on the occasion of its National Day.