.svg)
On December 31, Geneva comes alive with festivities to celebrate Restoration Day, a special holiday that marks the end of the year and the restoration of peace and freedom in the city. This day has been observed since 1813 when Geneva was liberated from French occupation, and it continues to be a joyous occasion for locals and visitors alike. From colorful parades to lively concerts and delicious food, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this day. So mark your calendars and join in on the fun as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome new beginnings in Geneva!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1535</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Geneva Joins Reformation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The city of Geneva officially joins the Protestant Reformation, transforming its religious and political landscape.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1798</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>French Occupation Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Geneva falls under French occupation during the French Revolutionary Wars, causing significant upheaval.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1813</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Restoration Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 31, Geneva is liberated from French rule. This date becomes known as Restoration Day, a celebration of peace and freedom.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1846</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Public Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Geneva holds its first public observance of Restoration Day, with city-wide festivities including parades and concerts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1864</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Geneva Convention Signed</div><div class='timeline-text'>Representatives from several countries meet in Geneva to sign the first Geneva Convention, further establishing the city's reputation for peace and diplomacy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birthplace of Red Cross</div><div class='timeline-text'>Geneva becomes the birthplace of the International Red Cross, further enhancing the city's commitment to peace and humanitarian work.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Restoration Day themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a festive celebration of Geneva's Restoration Day. Decorate with traditional Swiss colors, serve Swiss cuisine and drinks, and play Swiss music to really get into the spirit of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any parades or festivals happening in honor of Restoration Day. This is a great way to experience the holiday and immerse yourself in Geneva's culture and history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a tour of some of Geneva's historical sites that played a significant role in the city's restoration. This could include landmarks such as St. Pierre Cathedral, Place du Bourg-de-Four, or the Reformation Wall.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Swiss dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a culinary adventure by trying some traditional Swiss dishes on Restoration Day. This could include cheese fondue, rösti, or chocolate truffles.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Geneva's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day learning about the history of Geneva and its restoration. Visit museums, read books or watch documentaries to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this significant holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates peace and unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Restoration Day in Geneva is a day to commemorate the successful restoration of peace and prosperity in Switzerland after the French Revolution. This important event serves as a reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and diplomacy in maintaining world peace.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights Geneva's role as an international city</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Geneva, the city where Restoration Day takes place, is known as the international center for diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The celebration of this day sheds light on the city's history and continued efforts towards promoting global peace and cooperation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Restoration Day is celebrated with various cultural events and activities that bring locals and tourists together. This creates a sense of community and fosters cultural exchange, leading to a better understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and backgrounds.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Geneva's restoration led to its joining the Swiss Confederation</h3><p class='facts-text'>Following the events celebrated on Restoration Day, Geneva became a full member of the Swiss Confederation in 1815, strengthening its political and economic ties with this Central European coalition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Restoration Day celebrates a pivotal turning point in Geneva's history</h3><p class='facts-text'>The liberation of Geneva from French rule marked a significant change in the city's status, aligning it more closely with Switzerland both politically and culturally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Restoration Day is celebrated with traditional Swiss music and folk dances</h3><p class='facts-text'>Throughout the day, festivities showcase traditional Swiss culture including alphorn melodies, yodeling performances and folk dances such as the Schwyzertanz.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fireworks light up the night sky to celebrate Restoration Day</h3><p class='facts-text'>As part of the celebrations, a main spectacle of the evening is a grand firework display over Lake Geneva, symbolizing Geneva’s victorious struggle for freedom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The lion is a symbol commonly associated with Restoration Day</h3><p class='facts-text'>The lion often seen on flags and banners during Restoration Day celebrations represents the Canton of Geneva in the Swiss Confederation’s coat of arms, symbolizing strength and resilience.</p></div></div>
Restoration Day in Geneva is celebrated on December 31 every year. In 2024, Restoration Day in Geneva will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Dec 31
Sunday
2024
Dec 31
Tuesday
2025
Dec 31
Wednesday
2026
Dec 31
Thursday
2027
Dec 31
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
