Geneva's restoration in 1813
In Geneva, 31 December commemorates the restoration of the Republic in 1813 after French rule. The holiday is therefore political and cantonal in character.
- Author
- Ferien-Kalender.ch editorial team
- Last checked
- Source basis
- official sources and editorial review
Historie
The restoration of the Republic of Geneva in 1813
Geneva's restoration in 1813
The official Geneva name is Restauration de la République, commemorating the republic's restoration in 1813.
Recht
Only Geneva observes this 31 December holiday
Canton of Geneva
- Date
- Restoration of the Republic falls on Thursday.
- Status
- Cantonal holiday
- Canton of Geneva; 31 December is not a cantonal public holiday under this title in the other 25 cantons.
- Scope
- Canton of Geneva
- Only Swiss National Day on 1 August has federal constitutional holiday status. Restoration of the Republic is governed by the canton of Geneva.
- Planning
- 4 days off without leave
- In Geneva, Thursday is followed by New Year's Day on Friday, observed through cantonal rules across Switzerland, and then the weekend, creating a four-day break without leave.
Canton of Geneva; 31 December is not a cantonal public holiday under this title in the other 25 cantons.
Only Swiss National Day on 1 August has federal constitutional holiday status. Restoration of the Republic is governed by the canton of Geneva.
In Geneva, Thursday is followed by New Year's Day on Friday, observed through cantonal rules across Switzerland, and then the weekend, creating a four-day break without leave.
Applicable scope
Canton of GenevaCanton of Geneva; 31 December is not a cantonal public holiday under this title in the other 25 cantons.
Employment
Geneva statusGeneva's public-holiday status applies to 31 December; outside Geneva, any time off depends on the employer and applicable agreement.
Planning consequence
4 days off without leaveIn Geneva, Thursday is followed by New Year's Day on Friday, observed through cantonal rules across Switzerland, and then the weekend, creating a four-day break without leave.
Kultur
Restauration de la République is not New Year's Eve
Official Geneva commemoration
Official Geneva commemoration
Ceremonial and historical references distinguish the date from ordinary New Year's Eve. Outside Geneva, 31 December does not carry this cantonal public-holiday status.
Scope
Canton of GenevaCanton of Geneva; 31 December is not a cantonal public holiday under this title in the other 25 cantons.
Work
Geneva onlyIn Geneva, 31 December is a public holiday under this title; outside Geneva, Restoration of the Republic does not create a day off.
School
Check year-end calendarsSchool holidays and year-end care follow the relevant calendar; Geneva's holiday does not create a nationwide school rule.
Opening hours
Check year-end timesShops and services may publish special year-end hours; keep the public holiday and New Year's Eve distinct when checking access.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short, source-backed answers about Restoration of the Republic.
What does Restoration of the Republic commemorate?
It commemorates the restoration of the Republic of Geneva in 1813 after French rule.
Where is Restoration of the Republic a public holiday?
31 December has this public-holiday status in the canton of Geneva only.
Is Restoration of the Republic the same as New Year's Eve?
No. It falls on New Year's Eve, but it is a distinct Geneva public holiday with its own historical commemoration.
What does the 2026 year-end calendar mean in Geneva?
The Thursday holiday is followed by New Year's Day on Friday and the weekend, creating four days off from 31 December to 3 January without leave.
Planung
Four days off from Geneva's holiday through the weekend
4 days off without leave
4 days off without leave
Geneva year-end creates four free days
In Geneva, New Year's Day and the weekend follow 31 December, creating four days off without leave.
- Recommendation
- Keep Restoration and New Year's Eve legally distinct
- Block
- 31 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Smart Vacation Planner
Maximize your free time around Restoration of the Republic:
Praxis
Work, school and shops at year-end
Keep the Geneva holiday distinct from ordinary New Year's Eve planning.
For workplaces in Geneva, 31 December may be free as a cantonal public holiday.
Schools in Geneva follow the applicable year-end calendar; outside Geneva, the date does not create this holiday status.
Shops, counters and services often use their own year-end hours. Before shopping ahead of New Year's Day, check the individual Geneva provider's information.
Recht
Geneva's year-end holiday across the border
The year-end break depends on the relevant cantonal calendar.
The connection with New Year's Day explains the four-day break, but it does not change the historical identity of Restauration de la République.
When planning across cantonal borders, mark Geneva's holiday, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day separately; outside Geneva, use the applicable cantonal calendar.
Praxis
Plan next
Use the local rule before fixing the next date.
Keep Geneva's Restoration holiday and New Year's Eve separate in the 31 December calendar entry; the historical name is not a nationwide holiday.
For the four days that follow, check the Geneva workplace.
Check the applicable school calendar and published year-end hours separately.
Sources & further reading
- SECO: leisure and public holidays : Federal guidance distinguishing the nationwide holiday from cantonal holidays.
- Swiss Labour Act Art. 20a : Federal labour rule for canton-designated holidays.
- Federal Constitution Art. 110 : constitutional status of Swiss National Day.
- Historical federal compilation (2011) : Historical context only; not current scope authority.
- EDK school holidays : Cantonal school-holiday source.
- Canton of Geneva: official holidays : current official cantonal calendar for 2026.
- Canton of Geneva: restoration of the republic : Official cantonal history authority for Geneva's 1813 restoration.