Traditional Horse shows in the Chiemgau-Area

Georgiritt

At Georgi, the farmers rode to a church dedicated to Saint George to have their horses blessed there, according to custom. The traditional horse pilgrimages still take place today - as a sign of thanks or to ask for protection for the farm and home. It is no longer just farmers who roam the villages on their horses. The processions are accompanied by numerous groups of riders from the district, equestrian athletes and owners. One of the most beautiful and colorfulcultural events in Old Bavaria is the Georgiritt in Traunstein. There the "Peiferlbuben" ride in their traditional costumes through the city center of Traunstein to the Ettendorfer Kircherl. The horses are then blessed there as part of a solemn Easter Monday service.

Sword dance

Before and after the ride, the historic sword dance takes place in Traunstein. Dancers in traditional lansquent gard represent an exciting battle between winter and spring. The two "sausages" embody the winter spirits and the red lead dancer spring. In the end, the “Sausages” have to give up their (stage) lives. Spring triumphs and is triumphantly lifted aloft on a platform of swords.

Leonhardiritt

The Leonhardiritt can be traced back to the monk Leonhard, who lived in France around the year 500. He was originally considered the patron saint of prisoners and thus one of fourteen Holy Helpers. After the death of Leonhard, who died as abbot of a monastery in Noblac near Limoges, his grave became a place of pilgrimage. Today Leonhard is considered the patron saint of cattle, especially horses. In his honor, the Leonhardiritte takes place at the beginning of November, where horse and carts are drawn to a chapel dedicated to him.

Michaelmas ride

The tradition of the Michaeliritt is based on that of the Leonhardiritt. Since the time of the Leonhardi ride proved to be extremely unfavorable in late autumn , the believers moved the ride to the name day of St. Michael without further ado. Since that time, horse rides can be found in the calendars of the Chiemgau people as early as the end of September - following the traditional horse pilgrimage, the towns (whose churches are dedicated to Saint Michael) are transformed - often in the most glorious late summer sunshine - into farmer and thanksgiving market miles in front of colorful mountain forest backdrop.