Swiss National Day in Morges: A Colorful Experience
On August 1st, Switzerland commemorates the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291, which established the Swiss Confederation. To mark this occasion, fireworks light up the skies all across Switzerland on this day.
Nikon Z9, 10 sec at f / 8.0, ISO 64, 20 mm (20mm f/1.4G)
Interestingly, despite my lifelong familiarity with this being a public holiday, it's only been 30 years since the entire country officially gets the day off for Swiss National Day. Switzerland is not typically known for granting additional holidays through popular initiatives. However, this particular initiative achieved the highest approval rate ever, with all 26 cantons voting in favor, following recommendations from both the government and parliament.
This year, Morges once again delighted a large crowd, myself included, with its traditional fireworks display. We were fortunate with the weather, as several thunderstorms were hitting the region that evening. Arriving approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled start, I secured a prime spot for my tripod in the front row.
The spectacle lasted 15 minutes, showcasing a dazzling array of colors and patterns. The fireworks were launched from a barge near the shore, close to the church. This area, a popular spot for mooring boats, meant that all my photos feature sail and motor boats in the foreground. While this adds an interesting element to the pictures, the waves and wind caused some blurriness. What do you think of it?
