The Klausjagen is a festival which takes place in Küssnacht am Rigi on the eve of St. Nicholas day. The festival has very ancient roots and consists of a parade which features nearly 1500 participants: dancers wearing enormous paper hats ("Iffelen"), a brass band, groups blowing cow horns and two large groups ringing large cow bells ("Trycheln"). The parade moves through the street of old Küssnacht and lasts far into the night.
[click on the images in order to expand]
The Iffelen gather at the entrance of the village
The Trycheln wait for the procession to start
The Iffelen (or Ifuln) are something in between a bishop's mitre and a stained glass window
Iffelen have lights inside
Some Iffelen are really enormous
The procession starts and the Iffelen advance while dancing (sort of)
The Trycheln follow making a rhythmic noise
The revellers follow the parade as it advances through the village