What Day Is August 1? Swiss National Day and More
August 1 is the 213th day of the year (214th in a leap year). Switzerland celebrates it as National Day, marking the 1291 Federal Charter; in 1834, the British Slavery Abolition Act freed roughly 800,000 people across the Empire.
About August 1
August 1 is the 213th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (214th in a leap year). There are 152 days remaining until the end of the year. It falls in the height of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
The significance of August 1
In 1291, three Alpine cantons, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, signed a brief Latin document pledging mutual defense. That document, now called the Federal Charter, is Switzerland’s founding text. The country marks August 1 every year with bonfires across the hillsides and fireworks over the cities. In 1834, the British Slavery Abolition Act came into force, releasing roughly 800,000 enslaved people across the Empire in a single day.
Get this day by email
We'll remind you of August 1 every year.
On This Day in History
- 1291The cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed the Federal Charter, the founding document of Switzerland.
- 1834The Slavery Abolition Act came into force, freeing approximately 800,000 enslaved people across the British Empire.
Baby Names for This Day
August 1 falls under Leo. Names that suit the sun-ruled sign's bold, radiant character:
- LeoBoy
Latin for 'lion' — the zodiac sign itself; strong and bright.
- LeonaGirl
Feminine form of Leo; warm and commanding presence.
- AureliaGirl
From Latin 'aurum' (gold); the golden warmth Leo radiates.
- RexBoy
'King' in Latin; Leo's natural sense of authority.
- SoleilGirl
French for 'sun' — Leo's ruling star.
- BlazeBoy
Fire and light; the confident energy of midsummer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is August 1?add
August 1 is Switzerland's National Day, celebrating the 1291 Federal Charter. It is the 213th day of the year.
What number day of the year is August 1?add
August 1 is the 213th day of the year, or the 214th in a leap year, with 152 days remaining.
What zodiac sign is August 1?add
August 1 is Leo, which runs from July 23 to August 22.