Swiss National Day (gathering of friends 01.08.09)
Since 1891, 1st August is celebrated as the Swiss National Day. In Bhutan, a gathering of friends over dinner, bonfire, and a CD broadcast of a speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation was organized.
It is said that the Swiss National Day refers to a historic alliance founded between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in 1291, and consecrated through a solemn oath taken on the Rütli meadow overlooking Lake Lucerne. This alliance, solemnized through a contract of mutual aid and support, is said to be the turning point around which the Switzerland of today was built over the next many hundred years. The national day was, however, only instituted 600 years later in 1891.
In Bhutan, the event was hosted by Sabine and Kaspar in their home, and full heartedly enjoyed by their friends.