Leonhardiritte 2021 in the Weilheim-Schongau district: How will things continue this year after the forced Corona break?

The traditional Leonhardiritte in the district are among the highlights in the calendar of events.

Last year, the corona pandemic made implementation impossible.

But how does it look this year?

An overview.

District

- The

Peißenberger Leonhardiverein

does not like to think back

to the past year. Where else traditionally thousands of people line the roadside on the last Sunday in October to admire the around 250 decorated horses and numerous floats, there was no clatter of hoofs. The corona pandemic and the associated conditions had also forced the organizers of the well-known Leonhardiritt to cancel.

A year later history threatens to repeat itself. In Bad Tölz and Benediktbeuern the processions have already been canceled. And in Peißenberg, too, “the Leonhardi trip will not be able to be carried out in the usual way,” suspects Maria Achleitner, the club's secretary. Again, it is the current requirements that pose problems for the association. Although events have generally been allowed again for a long time, strict regulations apply from a number of 1000 people. Among other things, an infection protection concept must be submitted to the district office for approval, says Achleitner. In Peißenberg, the Leonhardifahrt regularly attracts up to 10,000 spectators. Achleitner complains that the authority was unable to help in the first few talks exactly how that should look. In the club one now wants to wait and seewhether anything will change in the regulations in October. "Then we will think about what is possible."

In the short term, they also want to make a

decision

in

Schongau

.

"We have to see what the next few weeks bring," says organizer Franz Reßle with a view to the federal election and the number of infections.

Whether on November 6th, Leonharditag, horse and rider will march through the old town is still in the stars.

But Reßle is already making it clear: If the authorities demand a control of the audience, this cannot be done.

"We are not a club, we miss the people."

+

It is still open whether the Leonhardifahrt will take place in Peißenberg this year.

© Emanuel Gronau

The

Leonhardiritt was also canceled

in

Pähl

last year, but this year horses, riders and teams are supposed to move through the village again. Two weeks ago the decision was made “that we will pull through this this year”, says Kaspar Spiel, chairman of the Leonhardi Association. The date has already been set on October 24th. "The health department would prefer that we do nothing", but with 22 teams and around 50 horses you are one of the smaller Leonhardi rides, Spiel is confident. Another year off, they definitely want to avoid that in Pähl. "Otherwise everything will fall asleep."

The Leonhardiritt is similar in size in

Bauerbach

, where it traditionally falls on Leonharditag on November 6th.

There, too, they are optimistic that after a year off everything will go back to normal this year.

"If it's allowed, we'll do it," says Anneliese Schwarzer, whose husband is entrusted with the organization as church caretaker.

Around 100 riders are expected in Forst

In

Forst

,

too

, where the ride usually takes place on November 6th, everyone is in good spirits that the traditional event will work again this year. “We definitely intend to do it,” says Andreas Reßler from the organizing Leonhardi Association. "According to the current regulation, it would work." Because even in Forst, with around 100 riders plus spectators, one would stay below the 1000 person limit.

The same applies to

Wildsteig

, where planning for the Leonhardiritt has already begun.

The event attracts between 700 and 800 guests in normal years, knows Leonhardi club board member Xaver Gindhart.

On October 24th, horse and rider are supposed to move through the village, if Corona doesn't throw a spanner in the works.

The anticipation is great, says Gindhart.

"For us horse farmers it is the most important day of the year, if it is not, then something is missing."

In the neighboring town of

Rottenbuch

, a decision has not yet been made as to whether there will be another Leonhardi trip on October 31 this year.

Probably more can be said in the coming week when town hall chief Markus Bader returns from vacation, says second mayor Vitus Gansler.

In

Reichling

you are already one step further.

Around 100 horses and riders are expected when the Brotherhood of St. Leonhard invites you to a traditional tour on November 6th.

Last year you had to cancel at short notice because of Corona, "I hope that this year it doesn't come to that," says board member Erich Graf.

It remains to be seen whether this hope will be fulfilled.