Looking from their windows last Saturday night, the Residents of Barossa Village might have thought the Pied Piper of Hamelin had come to Nuriootpa. Dozens of children waving brightly coloured lanterns and singing songs in a strange language were passing along the road.

It was the Barossa German Language Association’s Laternenlauf (Lantern Walk). Several years ago, members of the Association decided to introduce the traditional German children’s event to the Barossa Valley, and despite Covid interruptions, numbers have increased. The Joy Rice Centre, made available by Barossa Village, was brimming with approximately 200 children and adults. The children made lanterns with the assistance of volunteers and their parents, typical German food and drink were available – Linsesuppe (lentil soup), Wurst mit Sauerkraut (sausage with sauertaut), Brezeln (pretzels), Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake), Apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice), Gluehwein (spiced wine) – and musical entertainment was provided by the Tanunda Liedertafel.

In Germany, the Laternenlauf takes place on 11 November, the feast day of Saint Martin. Such an event in summer with daylight saving would be impracticable, so a date in July was chosen. Nevertheless, all the elements of the German festival have been included, Steffi Traeger, President of the Barossa German Language Association, tells the children the story of Saint Martin, a fourth-century Roman soldier who, seeing a beggar shivering beside the road, drew his sword, cut his cloak in half and shared it with the beggar.

The walk, of course, is the main attraction. With battery lights illuminating the lanterns from the inside, it was a colourful sight as the children wound their way through the Village.

What a wonderful delight it was to engage in such a spectacular display of cultural traditions. We look forward to supporting future events! Well done to all involved.