Leonhardifahrt or Leonhardiritt – a horse and carriage procession in Bavaria

The Leonhardifahrt is a celebration of St. Leonhard, the patron saint of horses and cattle, observed in various towns of Bavaria, Germany. Traditionally, processions of elaborately harnessed horses draw decorated wagons to the local church. Some people also bring their cattle to be blessed. Sometimes a contest of whip-cracking (“Goaßlschnalzer”) follows the procession. Among the towns where Leonard's Rides are held are Bad Tölz, Rottenbuch, Bad Füssing, Waldkirchen, and Murnau. November 6 is the name-day of the saint and the traditional day of the procession, but some towns their rides on a weekend near that date.

For example, the traditional Grafinger Leonhardifahrt has taken place at the last Sunday of October every year since 1708. The festivities this past Sunday, a beautiful sunny late autumn day, started with an outdoor church service in front of Leonhardi Church. After the service beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriages and decorated chest wagons, carrying people in traditional clothing, as well as individual riders on horses with manes and tails braided and adorned with flowers, paraded three times around the market square. Finally, the blessing of the horses took place in front of the Leonhardi Church.

Horses used to be particularly important as transport and work animals and were therefore honored with this ceremony.

Headed for the church service

2. Getting ready / waiting for the procession

3. The procession

4. Children

Many kids participated in the procession, and looked like they had fun, even if they had to kneel on the prayer bench on the wagon with a model of the Leonhardi Church.