Bonfires, fireworks, lighted paper lanterns, and many decorations all across Switzerland commemorate the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. This day is a bank holiday across the country.

This is our second time experiencing this occasion. First, we were in Thurgau, and now in Ticino. Both places offered a variety of festivals and food stalls for visitors. While the festival near Bodensee felt touristy, the celebration in our new little town had a more cosy community feel to it. Kids were roaming on the field, people gathered around the tables.

We made some paintings in the morning and visited the local festival in the afternoon – although we stayed on the playground, the festive atmosphere surrounded us. Loud music, and lively chatter filled the hot and humid air.