Last Thursday (1/8) we celebrated the Swiss National Day at the residence of the Swiss Consul General in Sao Paulo, Urs Brönnimann. The event organized by SWISSCAM had the presentation of the choir Jodlerklub Helvetia (Indaiatuba singing group), as well as delicious typical Swiss foods.
We had the honor of welcoming Ambassador and Head of ERESP (Office of Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in São Paulo), Deborah Vainer Barenboim Salej, who gave a speech emphasizing the strong relationship between Switzerland and Brazil. She also congratulated the progress of the free trade negotiations with EFTA and thanked the Swiss support for Brazil’s entry into the OECD.
The Consul General thanked the guests for their presence and highlighted the cultural partnership between the two countries in organizing the exhibition “Paul Klee – Unstable Balance”, which was exhibited in São Paulo, is now in Rio de Janeiro and from August will be presented in Belo Horizonte.
SWISSCAM President Philip Schneider also gave a speech at the event and spoke about the importance of the Chamber in being the main promoter of trade relations between the two countries and concluded by emphasizing that SWISSCAM’s main strength is to be Swiss and Brazilian.
The 728th anniversary of the alliance treaty between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwald was celebrated. This treaty is regarded as the official beginning of the Swiss Confederation, even though the structures of present-day Switzerland were established in 1848.
Fires are lit all over Switzerland and fireworks are burned. In many places, children parade the streets with lanterns with the Swiss Cross and the coat of arms of their canton. And across the country, politicians, from the Federal Council to the commune president, make their national holiday speeches.
We appreciate the support of our members: Curaprox, Lindt and Swiss International Air Lines.
Photos: Carol Luz
