On 1st of August, Switzerland celebrates itself. As every year on this day, the Swiss bring out their national flags and red T-shirts with the white cross on them, fireworks are set off, speeches are made and people dance to traditional music. Switzerland reflects on its history, its achievements, its challenges and its goals. It is a feeling of togetherness that unites everyone in this country.
All of them?
What is it like to be a refugee in Switzerland on the bank holidays? Do refugees celebrate the big day in their host country or do they rather think wistfully of their homeland...?
We asked four people who came to Switzerland as refugees:
Hasan fled the civil war in Syria to Türkiye in 2013 and then came to Switzerland in 2015. He was married to a Swiss woman and works as a carer for the Swiss Red Cross. He also helps people who are dependent on social welfare back into the labour market.
How do you feel on 1st of August, the bank holidays in Switzerland?
This day means a lot to me, because Switzerland means a lot to me. I have found my freedom in this country.
Do you personally celebrate 1st of August and how?
My ex-wife is originally from Wimmis in the canton of Bern. We always spent all our holidays there. On 1st of August, we always went to a hut with friends from the village to spend the night. We collected wood and lit a fire in the evening and watched the fireworks. Of course, we also had a barbecue and ate plaited bread, chocolate cake and tiramisu. For the first time, I was surprised at how many people took part in the 1st of August celebrations.
When is the national day in Syria and do you still celebrate it?
That's 17th of April. But I don't know how it is celebrated. I've never celebrated it, not in Syria and not here either.
What would you like to say to the Swiss on their bank holidays?
Dear Switzerland
I wish you with all my heart that you can continue to provide a safe home for the people who are proud of you and love you with all their hearts. I hope that you stay healthy, that your nature continues to flourish and that you remain a paradise on this earth.
Luna fled from Eritrea to Switzerland in 2015. She lives in Lausanne and is currently competing in the refugee team at the Olympic Games as a markswoman. She is the mother of a young son.
How do you feel on 1st of August, the bank holidays in Switzerland?
Good. I've lived in Switzerland for nine years, it's become my second home. My son even says: "Mum, I have two countries, Eritrea and Switzerland." I have learnt many things here and met many nice people.
Do you personally celebrate 1st of August and how?
I'm in Paris now, but in Switzerland I always celebrated with my neighbours. But it wasn't so easy for me at first. It wasn't until I had my residence permit that I felt like I belonged. I was then able to socialise more with the Swiss, improved my language skills and was able to understand the culture better.
When is the national day in Eritrea and do you still celebrate it?
It is on 24th of June. I still celebrate this day, even though I am now far away from my country. I celebrate at home, with traditional coffee and food. But not outside on a large scale, because that's not an easy moment for me.
What would you like to say to the Swiss on their bank holidays?
Oh, I would like to say thank you very much. I don't have many words, but I thank you with all my heart for everything, for all the doors that Switzerland has opened for me. Switzerland is my second home, I want to work for it and live my life here.
Emirhan is originally from Istanbul, Türkiye. He is an asylum seeker for political reasons and lives in the canton of Bern. Emirhan conducts research on the topics of social justice and human rights. In his work, he has also developed projects for refugees.
How do you feel on 1st of August, the bank holidays in Switzerland?
On 1st of August, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for Switzerland. This day symbolises the values of democracy, human rights and freedom that Switzerland holds so dear - values that are very close to my heart, especially considering my background and the challenges I have faced.
Do you personally celebrate 1st of August and how?
Yes, I celebrate 1st of August. I take part in events in Bern, enjoy the fireworks and reflect on the freedoms and opportunities that Switzerland offers. It's a day of thanks and recognition for the inclusive society that has welcomed me and many others like me.
When is the national day in Türkiye and do you still celebrate it?
Türkiye' s national day is on 29th of October. Although I carry the memories and significance of this day in my heart, I find it difficult to celebrate it because of my experiences. However, I use the day to reflect on the struggles of the people fighting for freedom and hope for a better future in Türkiye. Despite the pain and challenges, my love and hope for Türkiye remain strong.
What would you like to say to the Swiss on their bank holidays?
On this special day, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Swiss people for their unwavering support and hospitality. Their commitment to human rights and freedom has provided a safe harbour for many people, including myself. I encourage them to continue to uphold these values and remain a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge and a new beginning. Switzerland has given me the freedom to pursue my academic passions and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Thank you!
Musa was born in Sudan. He fled to Egypt as a child and then came to Switzerland in 2021. It was here that he discovered his talent and his love of running. He is currently competing for a medal as a middle-distance runner at the Olympic Games in Paris and is a member of the refugee team.
How do you feel on 1st of August, the bank holidays in Switzerland?
It's always a special day for me, I'm happy for Switzerland.
Do you personally celebrate 1st of August and how?
Yes, I always go into town to watch the fireworks. I think it makes sense to celebrate this day, I always celebrate it.
When is the national day in Sudan and do you still celebrate it?
It is the 1st of June. In Sudan, we used to sing a lot at school on this day and then celebrate. Here, I listen to a bit of music from my country on National Day, but otherwise I don't do anything special.
What would you like to say to the Swiss on their national day?
I would like to say thank you, I feel very honoured to be here. I will run for Switzerland one day, then I can give something back. I want to win a medal for Switzerland and do something for this country.
We wish everyone in this country a wonderful 1st of August, because they all contribute to Switzerland!