Leonhardifahrten in Bavaria: Cardinal Marx in Bad Tölz
In honor of Saint Leonhardi, the patron saint of livestock, Leonhardi rides will once again take place in several places in southern Bavaria on Monday. In Bad Tölz (district of Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen), Kreuth (district of Miesbach) and Rimsting (district of Rosenheim), hundreds of horses pull festively decorated carts through the streets.
The pilgrimage in Bad Tölz (9.00 am) is considered the most famous. In 2017, it was added to Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage in Germany. According to a spokeswoman for the municipality, at least 300 horses and around 70 table and chest wagons, some of which are historic, will be taking part in the Leonhardi ride this year. The horses will also be blessed this year by Cardinal Reinhard Marx. He will ride along on a carriage and give a sermon. The parish is expecting 15,000 visitors.
The traditional processions will also take place in Kreuth (10.30 am) and Rimsting (9.00 am) on Monday. In Benediktbeuern, however, there will be no Leonhardi procession this year. In August, heavy hail damaged the monastery and other buildings to such an extent that the parish's Leonhardi committee canceled the pilgrimage last month.
Leonhard rides in honor of Saint Leonhard of Limoges are a custom in old Bavaria and parts of Austria. They take place around St. Leonard's Day on November 6, with many places celebrating the day on the weekends before.
In Upper Bavaria, specifically in Bad Tölz, the Leonhardi ride is highly renowned, attracting thousands of visitors annually. This year, Cardinal Reinhard Marx will participate, riding in a carriage and delivering a sermon, while the horses in the procession will also be blessed.
During Leonhardifahrten in Bavaria, many historic horse-drawn carriages are often showcased in these customs, including in Upper Bavaria, adding a traditional touch to the festivities.
Source: www.dpa.com
