Autumn vacation of a special kind - a journey back in time to the customs of past generations, a discovery tour to the secrets and beauties of the Dolomites.

At the Leonhardiritt in Alta Badia/South Tyrolean Dolomites you will not only experience authentic customs, but also beautiful sounds and genuine Ladin cuisine. Proud Noriker and Haflinger horses, colorfully decorated and finely dressed. The farmers have harnessed their most beautiful carriages and wear the classic costumes of the region. When in November the traditional Leonhardi Ride takes place in Alta Badia, it means much more than just a parade of horses in honor of their patron saint. People from many Dolomite villages come together and revive their customs and traditions on this day.

On the stalls of the local farmers butter, cheese and bacon are presented, which are of course homemade according to old recipes. Handmade are also the woolen clothes made by the farmers' wives. Innkeepers cook according to old Ladin recipes the famous turtres (dumplings filled with spinach and ricotta) and furtaies, the spiral-shaped sweets traditionally prepared by the bride's mother for friends and neighbors the day before the wedding.

The Leonhardi Ride in Alta Badia is a very special festive day for the Ladin valleys in the Dolomites. In the procession on Sunday there are numerous traditional costumes and the festively decorated carts and carriages. The main role, as is customary in the Leonardo ride, is played by the proud Noriker and Haflinger horses, which parade through the streets of San Leonardo. Also present are traditional costume associations of the Ladin valleys and various music bands.

History/Legend of St. Leonardo
Saint Leonardo is worshipped all over Central Europe. More than 600 churches and chapels are dedicated to him. Saint Leonard, son of a noble family, was born around the year 500 in Gaul, France. Actually, he was destined to a military career, but he decided to follow the Bishop of Reims, Saint Remigius.They dedicated their lives to the prisoners of war and offered them spiritual and physical help. Even the king of France at that time had Leonardi in honor. He gave him a piece of forest near Limoges, where Father Leonardi had a Benedictine monastery built.The saint is depicted as a padre, with a book, a shepherd's crook and a chain. He is the patron saint of peasants, farmhands, prisoners and craftsmen. Pregnant women turn to him so that the delivery goes smoothly. He is also the patron saint of horses and horsemen.