Räbechilbi: Gourd-Lantern Parade in Richterswil 2024, Switzerland

For many Richterswil children, the day of Räbechilbi is their favorite day of the year. Räbechilbi is a traditional fall festival, and children get ready for it in advance, carving lanterns out of turnips. Overall, around 30 tons of autumn turnips are processed into artistic lanterns. After dark, the people of Richterswil gather and carry the turnips around the neighborhood.

Räbechilbi is the largest annual festival in Richterswil, located within a 20-minute drive south of Zürich. Richterswil Parade takes place on the second Saturday in November. As darkness falls, lanterns turn this Swiss village into a fairy tale fantasy with thousands of warm twinkling lights. The center of town is aglow with turnip lanterns. In addition to the lanterns, the event features marching bands and decorated floats. Vendors and food stands in the center of town are offering carved lanterns and delicious autumn specialties.

Festival Schedule

The festivities start at 3 pm on November 9, 2024. The public can enjoy an outdoor concert by the Horgen Cadet Music at the Paracelsus Hospital. About 20 market stalls are scattered throughout the old village center, offering their goods: sweets, delicacies, grilled sausages, drinks, and much more. 6-graders are offering their handmade turnip lanterns for sale for everyone who wants to join the parade.

The concerts of several brass bands starts on Wisshusplatz and Poststrasse at 4 pm. When it gets dark, the lanterns and candles illuminate the village center. An illuminated fountain magical light show with dancing lights takes place at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 8:30 pm.

Räbeliechtli parade runs from 6:30 p.m. to around 7:30 pm. Don't miss the 3300 ft (1000 m) long procession of magical lights created by Richterswil children! The schools and clubs in the Richterswil/Samstagern have created more than 40 different lantern styles, especially for the parade.

Parade-watching Tips

Arrive at least one hour before the start of the parade to secure a good spot. Take a stroll around Richterswil to enjoy the warm ambioance of the lanterns and the magical atmosphere in the village. If you come with children, they can try making their own turnip lantern at one of the workshops, which take place around the village before the parade.