Visitation by the Three Kings

Visitation by the Three Kings at the Mozartplatz in St. Gilgen.

The riding ceremony of the Dreikönigsreiten, the three kings, The Magi, is an old tradition in St.Gilgen performed since 1936. Three local people dress to represent Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar riding on horses presenting an impressive trio. Originally their clothes were made from colourful curtains and drapes. Their crowns, stars and horse decorations were made from cardboard pasted with embossed goldpaper. The wise men riding in impressive costumes through the village to Mozartplatz. They will be led by a rider and an oriental themed group. With their Christmas messages, they create a reflective atmosphere among the crowd. The procession ends with a devotional service in the parish church where the new-born Jesus in the manger is presented with the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.