National Day in Switzerland is celebrated annually on August 1.
This is the only federal holiday, and it was created to commemorated the anniversary of foundation of Switzerland.
Switzerland was founded in 1291 when three Alpine cantons signed the Federal Charter of 1291.
They swore the oath of confederation, and the event later became regarded as the birthday of Switzerland.
The Federal Charter was not issued exactly on August 1.
Bonfires, fireworks and picnics are common for the day.
A popular spectacular tradition is illuminating a 25-meter high the Rhine Fall.
The waterfall has been regularly lit since the 1920s on special events, and since 1966 the waterfall is illuminated on National Day only.
