Corpus Christi

A spectacle of living tradition on horseback

The photo shows the ride in 1912 at the Landbrücke bridge, with the Brückenkrämerhaus and the Bechlwirt inn in the background.(Bild: Gemeindearchiv Kirchberg)

In the Tyrolean Brixental Valley, the Antlassritt takes place on Corpus Christi, as it has done for centuries. A look at the history of this unique tradition. However, the origins are probably not where they were once thought to be. 

For more than 300 years, the tradition of the Antlassritt has been celebrated in the Brixental Valley on Corpus Christi. The origin is not clear. For a long time, it was believed to be a procession of thanksgiving because the Brixental Valley was spared destruction during the Thirty Years' War.

However, old church accounts show that the ride was probably held before this war. It was probably a ride through the fields to ask for a blessing for a good harvest season.

Photos and information come from the Kirchberg municipal archives: the procession around 1900 at the Landbrücke.(Bild: Gemeindearchiv Kirchberg)

Around 1910 passing the former "Badlwirt".(Bild: Gemeindearchiv Kirchberg)

The procession on the main street around 1900. Villa Filzer on the left.(Bild: Gemeindearchiv Kirchberg)

At 1 pm on Corpus Christi, around 80 riders and three priests from the towns of Kirchberg, Brixen and Westendorf meet in front of the parish church in Brixen and ride from Brixen to Kirchberg to the chapel in Klausen on decorated horses.

An impressive spectacle of living tradition in Brixental Valley.