August 1st is the Swiss National Day. The date refers to a historic alliance concluded in 1291 by the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. This alliance was to become the focal point around which the Switzerland of today was built.
The main celebration in Basel takes place on the evening of July 31. The fireworks are the climax of an evening of entertainment starting with river raft races and live band performances. The fireworks are usually launched from two boots on the river Rhine between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. According to the screen-play, about 2’000 ignitions and more than 20’000 effects are scheduled in quick succession.