Jura Independence Day, or Fête d’Indépendance, is celebrated every year on June 23 and is a regional public holiday held in the Republic and Canton of the Jura. This holiday celebrates Jura becoming a canton of Switzerland on this date in 1979. Did you know that Jura was once a part of the canton of Bern? Yes, for over 160 years, Jura was a part of the canton of Bern and remained so until they decided to join the Swiss Confederation as the 26th Swiss Canton. So what exactly is the history of Jura and its significance in the shaping of Switzerland? Read on to know more.
History of Jura Independence Day
For those who don’t know about Jura — the Jura Mountains is a range of mountains extending for 225 miles in an arc on both sides of the Franco-Swiss border from the Rhône River to the Rhine. It shares land with both Switzerland and France. Villages are found in abundance in Jura. It also has large cities including Chambery, Geneva, Neuchatel, Biel, Solothurn, Arau, Baden, Bourg-en-Bresse, Lons-le-Saunier, Besancon, Montbeliard and Porrentruy.
Canton of Jura is the newest of the 26 Swiss cantons, located in the northwestern part of Switzerland. The history of Jura begins in 999 when the king of Burgundy donated much of the land that makes up the current canton of Jura to the bishop of Basel. This piece of land was a sovereign state within the Holy Roman Empire for more than 800 years. All this changed after the Congress of Vienna in 1815 when the Jura region became a part of the canton of Bern. However, the problem with this situation was that Jura was predominantly Catholic and spoke French, while Bern was mainly Protestant and spoke German which led to several tense situations throughout history.
After World War II, a separatist movement voiced for the secession of Jura from the canton of Bern. In 1978, the split was made official after the Swiss people voted in favor and Jura joined the Swiss Confederation as a full member on June 23, 1979. Today, Jura is a major tourist attraction for people worldwide. People across the world visit Jura both in summer and, increasingly, also in winter to experience the great skiing tracks.
Jura Independence Day timeline
The king of Burgundy donates Jura to the bishop of Basel.
An act is passed to make Jura a part of the canton of Bern.
Swiss people vote in favor of Jura seceding from Bern.
Jura officially joins the Swiss Confederation as the 26th Swiss canton.
Jura Independence Day FAQs
Is Jura a country?
Canton of Jura is one of Switzerland’s three geographical regions. It runs along the western edge of the country and covers around 10% of Switzerland’s territory and forms a natural border with France.
What language do they speak in Jura?
French is the most spoken language of Jura. Swiss-French is the second most popular language in Switzerland. It is spoken mostly in western Switzerland, covering the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, Neuchatel, and Jura.
What is Jura famous for?
Jura is famous for its wine and cheese amid rolling vineyards and mountain meadows. It also offers excellent French cuisine. Apart from this, it also draws outdoor adventurers with its stunning lakes, waterfalls, valleys, limestone cliffs, and more than 4,000 caves.
Jura Independence Day Activities
Experience the Independence
The best thing you can do to celebrate Jura Independence Day is by experiencing it. You can watch and take part in the festivals and celebrations that happen on this day in the canton of Jura.
Visit Jura
Jura is an awesome place that is rich in culture, and wealth along with great scenery, so if you’re looking for a sign to go for a trip, plan your visit to Jura. We bet you won’t regret it!
Share your story
If you are that lucky, someone who has already visited the beautiful canton of Jura and has an interesting story that happened on your trip there. Share it with the world on social media!
5 Surprising Facts About Jura
Nowhere to stop
There are no traffic lights in the canton, with the exception of railway crossings and road works.
It’s a Jurassic Park
Jura sits on a layer of rock that was formed during the Jurassic period 152 million years ago.
It’s larger than New York
Jura (323,94 square miles) is larger than the size of New York City (304.66 square miles).
It’s a tall mountain
The Jura Mountains have an altitude of 5,640 feet above sea level.
The hiking route wonder
Jura ridgeway, a top tourist attraction, is a 190-mile hiking route.
Why We Love Jura Independence Day
It’s all about history
Jura Independence Day is a national holiday of the canton of Jura that celebrates independence. The independence of Jura is a result of the effort, struggle, and sacrifice of thousands of people.
It is a day to celebrate
Although on Jura Independence Day, most shops and offices may be closed, the day is marked by festivals and celebrations. This gives you a reason to celebrate and enjoy independence!
It a day to remember
Jura Independence Day is not just a day to celebrate independence, it is a day to remember, honor, and appreciate the people who were behind it. So, it would be unjust to forget the day.
Jura Independence Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 23 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 23 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 23 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | June 23 | Friday |
| 2029 | June 23 | Saturday |
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