Republic Day in Neuchâtel marks the anniversary of a unique and dramatic transformation in Swiss history, the peaceful 1848 revolution that ended Neuchâtel's status as a monarchy and made it a republican canton within the Swiss Confederation.

When is Republic Day?

Republic Day is celebrated annually on March 1.

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

The History of Republic Day?

Inspired by republican movements sweeping through Europe, especially the February Revolution in France, Neuchâtelois revolutionaries took action.

On March 1, 1848, A group of about 1,400 armed citizens from the Jura region, particularly La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, marched toward the capital. They peacefully seized control of the Château de Neuchâtel and overthrew the royalist administration.

That very day, Neuchâtel proclaimed itself a republic, aligning fully with the democratic values of the Swiss Confederation.

Although the revolution was initially successful, tensions persisted. In 1856, royalist forces attempted a coup to restore Prussian rule in the Neuchâtel Crisis, which nearly led to war. However, through diplomatic mediation, especially by Napoleon III of France—a peaceful resolution was reached.

In 1857, King Frederick William IV of Prussia formally renounced all claims to Neuchâtel. Neuchâtel remained a full republic and Swiss canton, cementing its democratic identity.