The 1st of August was Swiss National Day. It was a public holiday so everyone could enjoy the Swiss style celebrations. Each area and Canton celebrates in their own way and has various events and activities planned for the day.
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| Swiss National Day |
As it was Hubby and my first Swiss National Day we were keen to see what it was all about. So we put on our walking shoes and walked around the city. There were Swiss flags flying from many of the buildings and buses.
We ended up in Parc des Bastions where there were loads of food stalls selling traditional Swiss food which were mainly sausages, bread and chips. Then as it got darker there was an area cordoned off where the public could shoot fireworks for everyone to watch. There were quite a few people shooting a variety of fireworks and there were just as many firemen standing ready to drench any stray firework.
The evening ended with a huge bonfire in the middle of the park.
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| The Bonfire |
Then a few days later on the 4th of August it was the official opening of the Fêtes de Genève. We headed to the lake in the evening for the opening fireworks display, which was lovely.
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| The Fêtes de Genève opening fireworks |
The Fêtes de Genève takes place every year around the lake area. Every year a theme is chosen and this year’s theme was Incredible India. There are food, drink and souvenir stalls all around the lake as well as many theme park rides. There is also a whole programme of music and events that take place during the Fêtes.
We walked around there a couple of times and tried some of the Indian food on offer and listened to some of the music.
The highlight of the event is the fireworks display that takes place on the last Saturday of the Fêtes de Genève. This year it fell on the 13th of August 2011. The theme of the fireworks was 'Gala Night at the Opera' and it was accompanied by music and lasted more than 50 minutes.
Unfortunately we were unable to watch them, but for a very good reason – we were attending the awsome wedding of our friends Natalie and John.
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