728 Years Young

In early August 1291, the cantons of Uri, Unterwalden and Schwyz signed an oath of confederation and lo, Switzerland was born. On August 1st this auspicious event is vigorously celebrated with many traditional Swiss activities such as hiking, eating cheese and cooking sausages on sticks. But if you don’t fancy donning your hiking boots and sharpening your Swiss Army knife here are some alternative ways to celebrate within the city. 

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The Plaza Club will be throwing a street party which will start on Wednesday night and continue into the 1st of August. The party will continue outside until midnight and will then spill into the club until 5am. No hiking for you if you make it until the end. 

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An alternative alternative to my other alternative would be to head down to Bäckeranlage for the Ams Fascht event. Instead of nationalism and isolationism they want to celebrate diversity, multiculturalism and a world without borders. They will do this using the, fairly traditional methods, of food, music, booze and dance.  

Not so far away in Wiedikon the Quartierverein Wiedikon are also celebrating the birth of this great nation. Whilst details are sketchy as to exactly what will be on offer, i have a strong suspicion that if you are looking for something more traditionally Swiss, then this is the place to be. Head down to Schmeide Wiedikon for the festivities. 

Finally, if you are one of the people who like to celebrate the birth of a country by blowing up a small part of it then fireworks are a big part of the celebrations. But be careful. At this time of year everything is tinder dry so be sure that it is permitted to use them. The cantonal authorities will often introduce bans depending on the weather conditions and the availability of water and it is up to you to find this out. You don't want to be the one to set fire to the place. 

Whatever you get up to on the 1st of August have a great day celebrating. Happy Birthday Switzerland.