1st August
The tradition of the Swiss National Exhibitions is older than that of the 1st August celebrations. In contrast to the national exhibitions, however, the 1st August celebrations have retained their traditional character.
The programme on the Arteplages and public squares emphasised the importance of the cultural contribution of the foreign population and the various traditional musical styles of the country. Each Arteplage had its own theme:
- Biel-Bienne: Music
- Murten-Morat: Four Swiss villages and their neighbours across the border
- Neuchâtel: Foreign cultures
- Yverdon-les-Bains: Mountain cultures
Numerous concerts took place as part of this programme. The programme included major international and national names as well as numerous new discoveries.
Several speeches were given at the official celebrations at each location. The organisational involvement of the Swiss Association of Youth Associations (SAJV) made it possible for four young people to speak on the subject of A new pact for the Switzerland of the future. In addition, a large firework display lit up the sky above the Arteplages.
SRG SSR idée suisse broadcast the official ceremony and the stage play by the 400asa collective live from the Arteplage Biel-Bienne.
