Culture and Tradition in Grödig

There are still places where tradition is alive and well. Grödig near Salzburg is one of them.

In Grödig, tradition is truly lived and celebrated, with many local clubs and countless traditional events throughout the year!

Highlights include the Easter Market, Passion Singing, Palm Blessing, Maypole Raising, Corpus Christi Processions, Farmers' Autumn Festival, Harvest Thanksgiving Celebrations, and the St. Leonhard Fair—just a few of the events that take place from spring to autumn here with us.

The church St. Leonhard

The Pilgrimage Church of St. Leonhard is one of the most artistically and culturally significant buildings in the region. The exact age of the church cannot be determined with certainty from historical documents.

Beneath the church hill, the St. Leonhard Advent Market takes place in the pre-Christmas season, benefiting the Lebenshilfe Salzburg. Due to its unique atmosphere and high-quality artisanal offerings, the market has earned a special place in the Salzburg Advent tradition.

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The parish church Grödig

Grödig has been under the pastoral care of St. Peter’s Abbey since the founding of the Diocese of Salzburg. As of 2016, Grödig has been under the protection of St. Peter for 1,029 years. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Grödig, Anif, Niederalm, and Leopoldskron-Moos were all merged into a single parish. In 1816, St. Leonhard became part of the parish, Leopoldskron-Moos became independent in 1857, Anif separated in 1883, and Niederalm followed in 1949.

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The parish church Grödig

Grödig has been under the pastoral care of St. Peter’s Abbey since the founding of the Diocese of Salzburg. As of 2016, Grödig has been under the protection of St. Peter for 1,029 years. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Grödig, Anif, Niederalm, and Leopoldskron-Moos were all merged into a single parish. In 1816, St. Leonhard became part of the parish, Leopoldskron-Moos became independent in 1857, Anif separated in 1883, and Niederalm followed in 1949.

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Krampus groups

In the Salzburg region, there are many different Krampus groups and associations dedicated to preserving the tradition. Each group has its own unique costumes and masks, which are often handcrafted and artistically designed. The costumes are made from animal furs, bells, chains, and horns to create a threatening appearance, adding to the eerie and powerful atmosphere of the Krampus celebrations.

#GrödigerKrampusse #LeonharderKrampusse #Dorchapass

St. Leonhard's Traditional Women's Costume Group

A mixed traditional costume group dedicated to preserving and promoting our folk culture—especially traditional attire.

Whether at parades, folk festivals, or cultural events, the St. Leonhard Women's Traditional Costume Group sparks interest in time-honored customs and traditions. They are a living example of how cultural heritage can be preserved and passed on to future generations.

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More info

St. Leonhard's Traditional Women's Costume Group

A mixed traditional costume group dedicated to preserving and promoting our folk culture—especially traditional attire.

Whether at parades, folk festivals, or cultural events, the St. Leonhard Women's Traditional Costume Group sparks interest in time-honored customs and traditions. They are a living example of how cultural heritage can be preserved and passed on to future generations.

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More info

The music band Grödig

The "Marktmusikkapelle Grödig" is one of the oldest musical ensembles in the Flachgau region. The band was first officially mentioned in historical records as early as 1843.

The annual highlight of their musical calendar is the traditional Easter concert, held on Easter Sunday. In 2018, the Grödig Market Band proudly celebrated its 175th anniversary—a testament to its long-standing contribution to local musical and cultural life.

St. Leonharder Christmas Marksmen

The „St. Leonharder Weihnachtsschützen“ are a traditional shooting group based in the village of St. Leonhard near Salzburg, Austria. They are part of a centuries-old Alpine custom celebrated during the Christmas season.

Wearing historical uniforms and equipped with traditional rifles, the marksmen uphold the custom known as "Anschütteln"—a ritual firing meant to symbolically drive away evil spirits and darkness, making way for goodness and the peace of the Christmas season.

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St. Leonharder Christmas Marksmen

The „St. Leonharder Weihnachtsschützen“ are a traditional shooting group based in the village of St. Leonhard near Salzburg, Austria. They are part of a centuries-old Alpine custom celebrated during the Christmas season.

Wearing historical uniforms and equipped with traditional rifles, the marksmen uphold the custom known as "Anschütteln"—a ritual firing meant to symbolically drive away evil spirits and darkness, making way for goodness and the peace of the Christmas season.

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The Marksmen

In earlier times, the marksmen were responsible for protecting the salt transports along the Königsseeache river. Today, their role is purely ceremonial—preserving tradition through appearances at local events such as Corpus Christi processions and other festive occasions, as well as representing Grödig at events abroad.

The Uniformed Rifle Company of Grödig (Uniformierte Schützenkompanie Grödig) is an association that has existed since 1756. Since 1966, the company also includes an artillery unit with a cannon, which is operated by cannon shooters from Niederalm.

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St. Leonharder festival

Every year around the first weekend of September, the traditional St. Leonhard Fair (St. Leonharder Kirtag) takes place.

The following Monday, known as “Kirtag Monday”, is all about fun and celebration for everyone. This day has become widely known and loved throughout the region. By early evening, the festival tent is buzzing with people, and the lively atmosphere continues well into the early morning hours.

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St. Leonharder festival

Every year around the first weekend of September, the traditional St. Leonhard Fair (St. Leonharder Kirtag) takes place.

The following Monday, known as “Kirtag Monday”, is all about fun and celebration for everyone. This day has become widely known and loved throughout the region. By early evening, the festival tent is buzzing with people, and the lively atmosphere continues well into the early morning hours.

More info

The wild Hunt

In the Untersberg region, an ancient tradition is kept alive during the Advent season: the Wild Hunt. This custom is a firmly rooted part of the Salzburg folk tradition calendar.

Every year on the second Thursday of Advent, the “Wilde Gjoad,” as it is popularly known, sweeps across the land and visits selected farmhouses. The exact location where the Wilde Gjoad will appear remains a well-kept secret until the very last moment, adding to the mystique and thrill of this unique custom.