Alta Badia Sets Up For St. Leonard's Parade 2025

Sunday, November 9th, the village of Badia will host the 25th edition of the St. Leonard’s Parade, an event that has become a symbol of Ladin identity and the long agricultural and equestrian tradition of the Dolomite valleys. The anniversary coincides with the 700th year since the first written mention of the village of Badia. This year, the event carries an even deeper meaning, celebrating a quarter century of passion, sharing, and love for local roots.

The protagonists of the parade, organized by the Noriker and Haflinger horse associations of Val Badia, will be over 150 horses and breeders from across South Tyrol and the other Ladin valleys.

The day begins, as tradition dictates, with the solemn Holy Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the parish church of St. Leonard, consecrated to Saints Leonard and James. At 10:45 a.m. the parade will start, beginning in the village’s artisan district and winding through the town centre. The procession will feature Haflinger horses – currently undergoing recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – and Noriker horses, whose Val Badia association celebrated its 120th anniversary last year.

Leading the parade will be the cart of the patron saint, followed by a large number of horses, Ladin traditional costumes, over 700 participants from all over South Tyrol, and numerous festively decorated carts. Among them will be a float dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the event, built by local artisans, and another float displaying harvest products, which will later be sold, with proceeds donated to charity. Thanks to the strong participation of horses and breeders from different valleys and the presence of four music bands, spectators will enjoy a unique variety of colours and traditional costumes, rarely seen in South Tyrol.

The most anticipated moment of the day will be the blessing of the horses and their breeders, performed by the dean in front of Santa Croce mountain, right after the parade.

Also returning this year is the Leonardi Trophy, inspired by the famous “Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride,” with three teams competing in two challenges: slalom and the ring joust, in an atmosphere of friendship and healthy competition.

There is great excitement for the special concert by Norbert and Alexander Rier, who will bring the evening to life with their music. Norbert, legendary frontman of the Kastelruther Spatzen, will take the stage at 3:30 p.m. with his son, sharing his experience and the warmth of Alpine folk music.

The celebrations will continue in the covered tent, with culinary specialties prepared by the Fire Brigade and the Farmers’ Association, accompanied by the music of local bands.

Organized with the valuable support of the Union Generela di Ladins dla Dolomites, the parade remains a moment of gathering, exchange, and conviviality, where community, visitors, and enthusiasts can rediscover authentic values through music, traditional costumes, and Ladin cuisine.

The festive weekend will already begin on the evening of Saturday, November 8th, with tastings of various dishes and performances by Ladin musicians.

The St. Leonard’s Parade will take place even in case of bad weather.

For further information: Alta Badia Tourist Information Offices – www.altabadia.org – Tel.: +39 0471/836176-847037 – Email: info@altabadia.org