Jura Independence Day

The next dates

• 2026Tuesday, 23 June
• 2027Wednesday, 23 June
• 2028Friday, 23 June

In which cantons is Jura Independence Day a holiday?

• 1cantoncantonal rest day
• 25cantonsnot a holiday

Origin

On 23 June 1974, the people of the Jura, then part of the canton of Bern, voted by almost 52 per cent for a canton of their own. The districts of Delémont, Franches-Montagnes and Porrentruy formed the new canton, while the other Jura districts opted for Bern in 1975. After approval by the Swiss electorate on 24 September 1978, the canton of Jura was founded on 1 January 1979. 23 June is celebrated as Independence Day. Since 1 January 2026, the municipality of Moutier has also been part of the canton of Jura.

Sources: IamExpat: Why does Canton Jura celebrate Independence Day on June 23? · Bundesamt für Justiz: Lösung der Jurafrage

What the three types mean

Public holiday

Treated like a Sunday (Art. 20a Labour Act). Employees have the day off.

Cantonal rest day

Public rest day under cantonal law, e.g. shops are closed. Under employment law it is a working day.

Customary day off

Not a public holiday, but many employers give the day off. Your employment contract decides whether you are off.