This weekend we were lucky enough to be invited to a traditional Bavarian event.
We woke early and drove south one hour toward the Alps. We were going to the Leonhardifahrt Hundham event. This is a ceremony that goes back to pre-Christian events. The current ceremony looks to bless the horses and other farm animals that are important to the townspeople.

We started with the parade. Many of the surrounding villages prepare for weeks for the religious event by preparing the coach, dressing up their horses, and wearing very beautiful traditional dress.
One of the floats pays homage to the patron saint who will protect against fire in the home or barn.
The groups paraded into the center of a very small town and into a small field by a small church. While this is happening, any observers, like the 5 Americans, could walk through and talk to the participants and pet the horses.

It really struck Daphne and I that these were not costumes. There were no tourist brochures, no programs, no advertising. We only came because our friend invited us to see a real Bavarian event.
As we walked around, the outfits were terrific, but we were the ones who looked strange. We were the only ones taking pictures and acting like outsiders.


The men's hats have these flourishes that look like upturned brushes. These are actually the hair from mountain goats that are hand crafted and highly valued. The bigger the 'brush' the more important the man and the more important his rank.
Everyone was friendly and approachable - they were just having their annual event to bless the animals.


The view was several of the highest mountains in Germany/Austria in the background.


At the end, David saw a dripping fountain in the town square and asked our host about the quality of the water.
He said that as long as there is not a big sign showing that the water is not safe, it is clean, clear water that is very safe and quite tasty.

We don't know what the kids are getting from this, but this was a truly special peek into a different culture. I love how proud the Bavarians are of their history and how some are willing to share with us Americans.