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

School holidays :

Catholic or protestant : Not a paid holiday

Culture : This ban applies to all major religious celebrations, but does not apply in homes

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.

School holidays :

School holidays :

Culture : This ban applies to all major religious celebrations, but does not apply in homes

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.

School holidays :

Culture :

School holidays :

School holidays :

Catholic or protestant : The day now honors all saints of the church, even those not known by name. The first All Saints' Day occurred on May 13, 609 (C.E.) when Pope Boniface IV accepted the Pantheon as a gift from the Emperor Phocas. Boniface dedicated it as the Church of Santa Maria Rotonda in honor of the Blessed Virgin and all martyrs. During Pope Gregory III's reign (731-741), the festival was expanded to include all saints and a chapel in St. Peter's church was dedicated accordingly. Pope Gregory IV officially designated the day in 837. Kriens, Hochwald [Solothurn], St.Gallen

Culture : This ban applies to all major religious celebrations, but does not apply in homes

School holidays :

Culture : This ban applies to all major religious celebrations, but does not apply in homes

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.