Jura Independence Day is observed in the Swiss canton of Jura every June 23. This day commemorates the anniversary of the first cantonal referendum held in 1974, where a majority of voters supported the secession of Jura from the German-speaking canton of Bern. The canton of Jura, which officially joined the Swiss Confederation in 1979, has a history rooted in the 14th century when it became part of Bern following the Burgundian wars. The region experienced cultural and political tensions between its French-speaking Catholic population and the German-speaking Protestant residents of Bern, which intensified during the 20th century, leading to the formation of the Moutier Committee in 1947. Celebrations include public holiday observances, making it a non-working day in Jura, while other cantons in Switzerland also have unique public holidays.