Pumpkins, schmumkins. If you think carving the oversized orange squashes for Halloween takes skill, then just wait till you see what the villagers of Richterswil on Lake Zürich can do with a turnip.
The Räbechilbi Richterswil, Europe’s largest turnip festival, takes place every November on the second Saturday after Halloween. About 26 tonnes of the humble root vegetables are hollowed out and etched with striking designs, then turned into turnip lanterns with candles inside.
A parade of illuminated floats – of animals, politicians, musicians, temples and more – makes its way through the streets after nightfall, each made with the glowing veg. The village too is decorated with ten thousand beautifully carved turnips, hung from houses, lighting the church and carried by festival-goers.
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