Leonhardi-Festwochenende Siegertsbrunn

A Bavarian Pilgrimage with a Long History

The Leonhardi procession in Siegertsbrunn – simply called “Leahats” in the Upper Bavarian dialect – is one of the most traditional horse pilgrimages in Bavaria. Saint Leonhard, the patron saint of horses, cattle, and prisoners, is venerated. The pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard in Siegertsbrunn is known far beyond the region – the old pilgrimage tradition was documented centuries before secularization.

Three Days of Festivities around St. Leonhard

The festival weekend spans three days:

• Friday evening – Ecumenical service at 6:00 PM in St. Leonhard, followed by the ceremonial beer tapping at 7:00 PM with the Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn brass band and the Zorneding whip crackers (Goaßlschnalzer).
• Saturday – Afternoon for seniors in the festival marquee (11:00 AM–2:00 PM), followed by the grand Leonhardi dance in the evening with two dance bands starting at 7:00 PM.
• Sunday – Festive service at 9:00 AM in St. Leonhard, followed by the Leonhardi procession with horse blessing – horses, riders, and decorated wagons circle the pilgrimage church three times (weather permitting). In the afternoon, festival operations, folk music, and showmen on the festival grounds.

The Leonhardi Procession

The highlight is the Leonhardi procession on Sunday at 10:00 AM. Horses, riders, and decorated festival wagons from all over the region participate; the triple circling of the St. Leonhard pilgrimage church is considered the central act of pilgrimage and a plea for healthy animals and a good year. In case of bad weather, the number of circles may be adjusted.

Bavarian Folk Festival Culture

Parallel to the pilgrimage, a classic Upper Bavarian folk festival has developed over the decades: a festival marquee with catering by Metzgerei Hafner from Großhelfendorf, folk music, showmen, carousels, and stalls on the festival grounds around the church. Youth associations, traditional costume groups, and the Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn brass band are involved.

Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn in the District of Munich

Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn is located in the District of Munich (Upper Bavaria, Bavaria), southeast of the state capital on the edge of the Hofoldinger Forst. The municipality consists of the two districts of Höhenkirchen and Siegertsbrunn; Siegertsbrunn, with its pilgrimage church and the Leonhardi procession, is the spiritual and folkloristic center.