Republic Day

The next dates

• 2026Sunday, 1 MarchWeekend
• 2027Monday, 1 March
• 2028Wednesday, 1 March

In which cantons is Republic Day a holiday?

• 1cantonpublic holiday throughout the canton
• 25cantonsnot a holiday

Origin

Neuchâtel belonged to the King of Prussia from 1707, even after it became a Swiss canton in 1815. On 1 March 1848, around 1,400 armed republicans marched from La Chaux-de-Fonds via Valangin to Neuchâtel, where the Prussian governor surrendered. Prussia only finally renounced Neuchâtel in 1857. To this day, many people march from Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds to Neuchâtel on 1 March.

Sources: IamExpat: Why does Neuchâtel celebrate Republic Day on March 1? · Ville de Neuchâtel: Communiqué 1er Mars

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.