Spring ride: Bavarian parade marks Easter and the triumph of spring over winter

People in traditional Bavarian costumes take place in the annual Georgiritt – or St Georgi Ride – in Traunstein staged every Easter Monday in the southern German town.

The annual ride is a horse pilgrimage to honour Saint George and takes the participants from the Bavarian town of Traunstein to the chapel of Ettendorf, where they are blessed.

Another highlight of the Georgiritt is the historical sword dance, whose roots can be traced back to the year 1530.

The dance symbolises the victory of spring over winter and has been practised on a regular basis since 1926.