National Day of 1st August

It is a militia group established in 1797 by the Bailiff Jost Remy Traxler to defend Lugano from the advance of Napoleon's Cisalpine Republic. During the Moti di Lugano on 14 and 15 February 1798, Cisalpine troops landed at the mouth of the Cassarate River to annex Lugano. However, they were defeated by the Corpo dei Volontari Luganesi, who, having demonstrated loyalty to the Swiss, seized the opportunity to demand recognition as "free and Swiss." This, however, only happened in 1803, thanks to Napoleon, who, with the famous Act of Mediation, gave Switzerland a constitution and sanctioned the integration of Ticino into the Swiss Confederation.
The Moti di Lugano had only one victim, Giovanni Taglioretti. Every year, on 1st August, a laurel wreath is laid on the Monumento all’Indipendenza to commemorate his death.

The birth of the Swiss Confederation dates back to 1st August 1291, when the pact of mutual assistance (against external enemies) was signed on the famous meadow of Grütli on the shores of Lake Lucerne by the "free men" of the three original cantons (Uri, Schwyz, and Nidwalden).

However, the commemorative celebration we repeat every year is surprisingly recent: it was organized for the first time in 1891, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the Confederation's birth. It was meant to be an exceptional event, but starting in 1899, 1st August was declared a national holiday. Since then, the celebration has been repeated every year, but only since 1993 has it been an official public holiday throughout the country.

Throughout Switzerland, 1st August celebrations are accompanied by a number of traditions, more or less heartfelt depending on the region.

Especially in rural areas, until a few decades ago, there was no 1st August without an immense bonfire attended by the entire population. On the origin of this tradition there are many interpretations. Some read it as a reminder of the expulsion of the Habsburg bailiffs; some see it as a simple reminder of the way of communication of the time or a ritual to bribe the deities in the hope of a good harvest.

Also part of the 1st August festivities is the children's parade with candle-lit lanterns (a tradition not widely felt in Ticino, but very atmospheric). Along with fireworks, lanterns are one of the many objects imported centuries ago from China.

Of course, on 1st August, the Swiss flag is displayed everywhere, especially at the windows of public buildings, bands play the national anthem, and, at 8 p.m., it is customary to ring all village and town bells.