In Thomatal

A festive day on horseback

The village square belonged entirely to the horsemen.(Bild: Holitzky Roland)

Thomatal is a stronghold of horsemen: horse lovers and their steeds from all over Lungau lined up for the St. George's Ride on Sunday. According to an ancient tradition, farmers brought offerings. 

It was a magnificent day of celebration: riding groups and individual horse lovers from all over Lungau lined up with their 62 steeds at the St. George's Ride on the village square in Thomatal. Bridles were polished, manes groomed and the riders festively dressed. Traditions such as the Georgiritt unite generations. The best example: Alois Lankmayer from "Islandreithof" in Mariapfarr rode out with his grandson Valentin (7) and brought the Iceland flag with him. Pastor Manfred Thaler blessed people, animals, fields and meadows. The congregation then rode two rounds through the village.

Alois Lankmayer with grandson Valentin(Bild: Holitzky Roland)

The Lungau equestrian group also made a festive appearance.(Bild: Holitzky Roland)

Custom strengthens the community
"In Thomatal, we value the fact that age-old traditions live on. It is also important for cohesion in the village," says Mayor Klaus Drießler, justifiably proud that a small community like Thomatal stands out so much when it comes to traditions throughout the year.

A look back in history shows: The Georgiritt was revived in 1970 by the legendary Thomatal priest Valentin Pfeifenberger. Today, a monument on the village square commemorates the well-known and unforgotten priest, who always rode out on a palm donkey at Easter. Since then, there has only been a break because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Farmers make sacrifices for St. George
On the feast day of the horsemen, another age-old tradition is cultivated in the village. What may sound a little strange today for those unfamiliar with customs and the church: offerings are also made here. Farmers in Thomatal bring "Sauhaxn" as an offering on St. George's Day and place them in a bowl by the statue of St. George. According to tradition, this is a sign against winter and ensures that spring finally arrives.