Leonhardi Processions in Upper Bavaria
The colorful processions are in honor of the holy horse and livestock patron Saint Leonhard and they are highlights of centuries-old Bavarian farming traditions. Beautifully decorated horses will pull numerous festively clad carriages and parade participants dressed in traditional costumes will make their way through the streets. Beer tents and traditional dance performances round up these festivals.
The tradition of the Leonhardiritt, meanwhile, is also linked to Kreuth, where the event was first recorded, in 1442.
One of the best-known and most beautiful Leonhardiritt celebrations takes place in Bad Tölz. This event — held every year on November 6th — attracts thousands of spectators and features about 80 decorated horse-drawn wagons, including the so-called Tafelwagen — distinctive wooden carriages, exquisitely painted with traditional folk art motifs. Women and children dressed in their finest, regal-looking riders atop festively bedecked horses, flower-accented folk costumes, and the peal of church bells adds to the memorable endor.
Selection of St. Leonhard's Processions in Bavaria between October and November each year:
- Leonhardiritt in Unterammergau/ Zugspitz-Region
Information: Tourist Information Unterammergau, Tel. +49 (0)8822 6400
www.unterammergau.de
- Leonhardiritt Breitbrunn/ Chiemsee-Alpenland
Information: Tourist Information Breitbrunn a. Chiemsee Tel. +49 (0) 8054 234
www.breitbrunn-info.de
- Leonhardiritt in Utting/ Ammersee-Lech
Information: Tourist Information Utting am Ammersee Tel. +49 (0)8806 9202-22
www.utting.de
- Oldest Leonhardifahrt of Bavaria in Kreuth/ Alpenregion Tegernsee Schliersee
Information: Tourist Information Kreuth Tel. +49 (0)8029 1819
www.kreuth.de
- Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz/ Tölzer Land
Information: Tourist Information Bad Tölz Tel. +49 (0)8041 7867-0
www.bad-toelz.de
- Leonhardiritt in Garmisch-Partenkirchen/ Zugspitz-Region
Information: Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tourismus,Tel. +49 (0)8821 180-700
www.gapa.de
All data and events in 2013 will be publishes as soon as we have the exact dates. Find here (pdf, 318 KB) our list of 2012 .
