Jura Independence Day marks a pivotal moment in Swiss history, the peaceful separation of the predominantly French-speaking and Catholic region of Jura from the largely German-speaking and Protestant Canton of Bern. The holiday commemorating the 1974 plebiscite in which parts of Jura voted to form their own canton.

When is Independence Day?

Independence Day is celebrated annually on June 23.

The following is the list of Independence Day from 2020 to 2039.

The History of Independence Day?

After the fall of Napoleon, the Jura region, formerly under the Prince-Bishopric of Basel, was assigned to the Canton of Bern. This decision created a cultural and linguistic mismatch, as Jura's population was mostly French-speaking and Catholic, unlike Bern's majority German-speaking and Protestant population.

Over time, cultural and political differences led to growing dissatisfaction. Jura's autonomy movement gained momentum, resulting in the formation of the "Rassemblement jurassien", which pushed for independence.

On June 23, 1974, a regional referendum was held. The northern districts of Delémont, Porrentruy, and Franches-Montagnes voted in favor of separation. Some southern areas with closer ties to Bern chose to remain.

In 1978, a national referendum was held, and the majority of Swiss voters approved Jura's establishment as a new canton. On January 1, 1979, the Canton of Jura officially joined the Swiss Confederation as the 26th and newest canton.