1 August has been the bank holidays in Switzerland since 1891. The date is derived from one of the first treaties between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. The three cantons formed the core of what is now Switzerland over the course of five centuries, and 1 August is celebrated throughout Switzerland with festivities, speeches, music, bonfires and fireworks. Federal Councillors give speeches at 1 August celebrations, as do celebrities from the worlds of politics, business and culture. This also includes the singing of the national anthem as a traditional element of the celebrations.
