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Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in Switzerland

Switzerland

Day Date Holiday Type
Sunday Jan 01,2023 New Year's Day Common local holiday
Monday Jan 02,2023 Berchtold Day Common local holiday
Friday Jan 06,2023 Epiphany Common local holiday
Tuesday Feb 14,2023 Valentine's Day Observance
Wednesday Mar 01,2023 Republic Day Common local holiday
Sunday Mar 19,2023 Saint Joseph's Day Common local holiday
Sunday Mar 26,2023 Daylight Saving Time starts Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
Thursday Apr 06,2023 Näfels Procession Common local holiday
Friday Apr 07,2023 Good Friday Common local holiday
Sunday Apr 09,2023 Easter Sunday Observance
Monday Apr 10,2023 Easter Monday Common local holiday
Monday Apr 17,2023 Sechseläuten Observance
Monday May 01,2023 May Day Common local holiday
Monday May 01,2023 May Day (Half-Day) Half Day Holiday
Monday May 01,2023 May Day (Half-Day) Observance
Sunday May 14,2023 Mother's Day Observance
Thursday May 18,2023 Ascension Day Common local holiday
Sunday May 28,2023 Pentecost Observance
Monday May 29,2023 Pentecost Monday Common local holiday
Sunday Jun 04,2023 Father's Day Observance
Thursday Jun 08,2023 Corpus Christi Common local holiday
Friday Jun 23,2023 Jura Independence Day Common local holiday
Thursday Jun 29,2023 St. Peter and St. Paul Observance
Tuesday Aug 01,2023 Swiss National Day National holiday
Tuesday Aug 15,2023 Assumption of Mary Common local holiday
Thursday Sep 07,2023 Genevese Fast Common local holiday
Saturday Sep 09,2023 Knabenschiessen Observance
Sunday Sep 10,2023 Knabenschiessen Observance
Monday Sep 11,2023 Knabenschiessen Observance
Sunday Sep 17,2023 Swiss Federal Fast Observance
Monday Sep 18,2023 Federal Fast Monday Common local holiday
Friday Sep 22,2023 Mauritius Day Common local holiday
Monday Sep 25,2023 St. Nicholas of Flüe Common local holiday
Sunday Oct 29,2023 Daylight Saving Time ends Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
Wednesday Nov 01,2023 All Saints' Day Common local holiday
Friday Dec 08,2023 Immaculate Conception Common local holiday
Sunday Dec 24,2023 Christmas Eve Observance
Monday Dec 25,2023 Christmas Day Common local holiday
Tuesday Dec 26,2023 St. Stephen's Day Common local holiday
Sunday Dec 31,2023 New Year's Eve Observance
Sunday Dec 31,2023 Restoration Day Common local holiday
**Note: While we strive for accuracy in researching and updating holiday dates, some information in the table above might be preliminary. Should you come across any discrepancies, kindly inform us so we can ensure precise information. Thank you for your understanding!

New Year's Day

New Year's Day is the first day of the year in Switzerland, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of a fresh start and is often marked by fireworks and parties. People gather with loved ones to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.

Berchtold Day

Berchtold Day, celebrated on January 2nd, is a day to honor St. Berchtold and is unique to Switzerland. It involves traditional festivities and games, including parades and singing. It's a day to cherish Swiss culture and heritage.

Epiphany

Epiphany, observed on January 6th, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. While not as widely celebrated as some other holidays, some Swiss regions have customs like parades and special church services on this day.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate partners. Swiss couples exchange gifts and romantic gestures to express their love on February 14th, following the global tradition. It's a day filled with heartfelt sentiments.

Republic Day

Republic Day, celebrated on March 1st, is an important holiday in Switzerland, marking the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. It's a day to celebrate Swiss democracy and unity with ceremonies and patriotic events.

Saint Joseph's Day

Saint Joseph's Day, observed on March 19th, honors St. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary. It is celebrated with religious observances and feasts in some Swiss regions, emphasizing the significance of family and fatherhood.

Daylight Saving Time starts

Daylight Saving Time begins in Switzerland, typically on the last Sunday in March. Clocks are set forward by one hour to make better use of daylight during the spring and summer months, contributing to energy savings and longer daylight evenings.

Näfels Procession

Näfels Procession, held on the first Thursday in April, is a unique Swiss celebration. It commemorates the Battle of Näfels in 1388 and features a procession with lanterns and historical reenactments, underscoring the country's rich history.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed during Holy Week, marking the crucifixion of Jesus. In Switzerland, it's a solemn day of reflection and religious services. Many people attend church and participate in processions to commemorate this significant event.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday, the most significant day in the Christian calendar, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Swiss families often gather for festive meals and exchange Easter eggs, symbolizing new life. It's a time of joy, hope, and renewal.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a public holiday in Switzerland, extending the Easter celebrations. Families continue to enjoy quality time together, often engaging in outdoor activities, picnics, and local events. It's a day for relaxation and community festivities.

Sechseläuten

Sechseläuten, celebrated on the third Monday in April in Zurich, marks the end of winter. The highlight is the burning of the "Böögg" snowman effigy, symbolizing the defeat of winter. It's a lively, traditional festival that welcomes spring with open arms.

May Day

May Day, observed on May 1st, is a celebration of spring and labor. Swiss cities host parades and rallies, highlighting workers' rights and the importance of unions. It's a day to promote social justice and workers' solidarity.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day, celebrated on the second Sunday in May, is a day to honor and appreciate mothers. Swiss families express gratitude with gifts, cards, and special gestures. It's a heartfelt celebration of maternal love and sacrifice.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven. It's a Christian holiday observed with church services and processions in some Swiss regions. It emphasizes faith and spiritual reflection.

Pentecost

Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter, marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In Switzerland, it's a religious holiday with church services and festive gatherings. It underscores the importance of faith and the Christian message.

Pentecost Monday

Pentecost Monday, following Pentecost Sunday, is a public holiday in Switzerland. Families often spend this day together, enjoying outdoor activities and communal events. It's a time to appreciate the extended weekend and the arrival of summer.

Father's Day

Father's Day, celebrated on the first Sunday in June, honors fathers and father figures. Swiss families express gratitude and love with gifts and special gestures, highlighting the significance of paternal bonds and family unity.

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, observed on the second Thursday after Pentecost, celebrates the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In Switzerland, it's a Christian holiday with processions and religious ceremonies.

Jura Independence Day

Jura Independence Day, on March 1st, commemorates the creation of the Jura Canton in 1979. It's a day to honor the region's distinct identity and culture with parades, music, and festivities. It reflects the importance of regional diversity in Switzerland.

St. Peter and St. Paul

St. Peter and St. Paul's Day, on June 29th, honors the apostles Peter and Paul. While not a nationwide holiday, some regions in Switzerland have special church services and events to commemorate these important figures in Christian history.

Swiss National Day

Swiss National Day, celebrated on August 1st, marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. It's a day of patriotic pride, featuring fireworks, parades, and communal gatherings to celebrate Switzerland's unity, independence, and culture.

Assumption of Mary

Assumption of Mary, on August 15th, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the bodily assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It's observed with church services and processions in some Swiss regions, emphasizing Mary's role in Christian faith.

Genevese Fast

Genevese Fast, celebrated on the Thursday following the first Sunday in September, is a holiday unique to Geneva. It includes church services and community gatherings, focusing on reflection and spiritual renewal. It underscores Geneva's religious heritage.

Knabenschiessen

Knabenschiessen, held on the second weekend in September, is a traditional Zurich festival. It includes marksmanship competitions and fairground attractions. It's a celebration of youth and marksmanship skills, highlighting Swiss traditions.

Swiss Federal Fast

Swiss Federal Fast, celebrated on the third Sunday in September, is a day of reflection and prayer. It's an opportunity to appreciate Switzerland's unity and democracy, marked by church services and communal gatherings.

Federal Fast Monday

Federal Fast Monday follows Swiss Federal Fast and is a public holiday in some regions. It's a day for relaxation and community events, emphasizing the importance of unity and reflection on the nation's values.

Mauritius Day

Mauritius Day, on September 22nd, commemorates the foundation of the Swiss Federal State in 1848. It's a day to reflect on Switzerland's political history and values, often celebrated with cultural events and ceremonies.

St. Nicholas of Flüe

St. Nicholas of Flüe, celebrated on September 25th, honors Switzerland's patron saint. While not a public holiday, it's marked by religious services and events in some Swiss regions, emphasizing the nation's spiritual heritage and values.

Daylight Saving Time ends

Daylight Saving Time ends in Switzerland, typically on the last Sunday in October. Clocks are set back by one hour, returning to standard time. It marks the beginning of shorter days and longer nights during the winter months.

All Saints' Day

All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st, honors all the saints, known and unknown. It's a Christian holiday with church services and remembrance of deceased loved ones. Swiss families often visit cemeteries to pay their respects and offer prayers.

Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception, on December 8th, celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It's a Christian holiday observed with church services and processions in some Swiss regions, emphasizing Mary's purity.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, on December 24th, is a time for Swiss families to gather and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It includes festive meals, candlelight church services, and the exchange of gifts. It's a cherished night of love, giving, and togetherness.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day, on December 25th, is one of the most important Christian holidays. Swiss families attend church services and enjoy festive meals together. It's a day to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and share the joy of the season.

St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day, on December 26th, commemorates the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. While not a public holiday, it's observed with church services and events in some Swiss regions, emphasizing the values of faith and sacrifice.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve, on December 31st, is a time for festive celebrations and reflection on the year's end. Swiss people gather for parties, fireworks, and countdowns to welcome the upcoming year with hope and optimism. It's a night of joy and anticipation.

Restoration Day

Restoration Day, on September 6th, commemorates the end of the Regeneration era in Switzerland in 1848. It's a day to appreciate the country's political development and values, often marked by cultural events and historical exhibitions.