Independence Day Celebration July 4th Geneva becomes host to the largest American Independence Day outside the US, complete with fireworks and apple pie.

Geneva Festival August 1st Fêtes de Genève (the Geneva Festival) is the Swiss National Day complete with floats and fireworks.

La Bâtie Festival de Genève August-September Geneva swells with people as La Bâtie Festival de Genève brings in all kinds of live music and theater acts.

L'Escalade December 11th-12th L'Escalade is celebrated during this time to commemorate the Duke of Savoy's failed attempt to conquer the city in 1602. The inhabitants now mark the occasion by dressing in historical costumes and parading through the streets. Children also dress up and visit the candy stores that sell marmite d'Escalade, a small pot of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables. These little confections symbolize a woman who killed one of the invaders by pouring a pot of hot soup from her window onto his head.

Cultural Calendar Winter/Spring These seasons mark the cultural calendar year for opera, theater, and concerts.