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General cultural information
Cultural life in Switzerland is rich and varied like its countryside. It feeds on the fertile friction between the four official languages and cultures - German, French, Italian and Romansh. Switzerland also features an astonishing mix of traditional and contemporary elements and manages to keep a happy balance between preserving its cultural heritage and allowing new impulses to bring about change.
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Do's and Don'ts
| Social Conventions | It is customary to give unwrapped flowers to the hostess when invited for a meal. Avoid red roses; never give chrysanthemums or white asters as they are considered funeral flowers. Informal wear is widely acceptable. First-class restaurants, hotel dining rooms and important social occasions may warrant jackets and ties. Black tie is usually specified when required. | | Tipping | A service charge is included in all hotel, restaurant, cafe, bar, taxi and hairdressing services by law; further gratuities are not usually required. |
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Religion
43 Per cent of the population is Roman Catholic and 47 per cent is Protestant.
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Cultural attractions
| Date | Event | | February | Carnival | | | August | Techno Zurich Street Parade | One of the biggest annual street parties in the world. | | 1 August | National Day | National Day (August 1) is celebrated with fireworks throughout the country, and Swiss wrestling in the Emmenthal area east of Bern. | | November | Onion Market | On the fourth Monday in November, Bern hosts its famous Onion Market (Zibelmarit), where traders take over the whole town centre and many a tear is shed. |
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