Räbeliechtli

Last night André and I took the train to Richterswil, about a 45 min train ride down the Zurich See. A very full train ride. We knew we must be on the right train if the rest of Zurich is on it too! There were lots and lots of people.

Every year on the second Saturday of November Richterswil holds the biggest Räbeliechtli festival in Europe. Turnips are hollowed out and a candle lit inside.

There were lots of little children with their turnip lanterns and huge beautiful floats made of little turnip lights. The whole town is decorated with these lanterns. Really every windowsill and balcony. At 18:30 last night there was a loud gun shot (or something which made a big bang) and all the lights went off. All of a sudden it was pitch dark and all you could see were the lights from the turnip lanterns. Bands began playing and the parade started. We were lucky to have good spots to stand and watch the parade. It was a bit rainy and windy at times but I'm really glad we went. It was magical.

Here are some pictures Andre took and then also a video. You can also view the video by clicking here if it won't play at the end of this blog.

This is what we saw when we came out the station:

Little kids with their turnip candles.

Aren't they sweet...

But wait, look more closely, there's a little devil amongst them! Bored with just walking carrying a turnip, this little dude had some fun blowing out the candle of the girl in front of him. Repeatedly. The teacher kept lighting it and he kept blowing it out when he thought no one was looking. But ha! We got you on camera little man!

And then there were the floats. Really impressive.

Hey, hey, Vicky!

People were watching from their windows.

After the parade we strolled through the town. I definitely want to come back to Richterswil in the day time to see this town.

Räbeliechtli - Richterswil 2009 from Anneliese Mostert on Vimeo.