Switzerland (Zürich) : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

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Catholic or protestant : Seven weeks after Easter Monday -Marking the day the Holy Spirit entered the disciples left behind and the beginning of their ministry.

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Sports events : Lasts 1 week - www.tourdesuisse.ch/ 2022 edition confirmed

Culture : The Albanifest , the largest annual festival in a historic town in Switzerland, is named after St Alban, one of the city's four saints, is held here, over three days. Although a recent creation, the festival celebrates the granting of a charter to the town in 1264 by Rudolf of Habsburgh.

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Secular holiday : Instaured at the end of the XIX century. The date refers to an agreement made at the beginning of August 1291 between Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden. Traditional observance includes bonfires on the the mountains and celebrations in the communities, occasions for patriotic speeches. Modern observance, fostered by the Tourist offices, include fireworks.

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Secular holiday : Knabenschiessen - The prize-shooting for 12 to 16 year old is one of the oldest festivals in Zurich. A marksman king or queen is chosen.

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Culture : Www.kurzfilmtage.ch in Winterthur 2022 edition CONFIRMED

Culture : Children hollow out turnips and carve them into lanterns, later putting candles in them and carrying them through the dark streets to the sound of musical accompaniment. The procession often finishes with a drink or some hot food. The custom is organised by sport and community associations, residents' associations, church groups, schools and kindergartens.

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Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day

Catholic or protestant : Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.