Schützenkompanie Andreas Hofer — Commemorative Ceremony
The Sandwirt commemorative ceremony in San Leonardo in Passiria
About Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony
The Sandwirt commemorative ceremony
The Gedenkfeier of the Schützenkompanie Andreas Hofer is the annual appointment where, in the heart of winter, the village of San Leonardo in Passiria (St. Leonhard in Passeier), in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige, preserves the memory of its most illustrious son: Andreas Hofer, the innkeeper of the Sandwirt who led the Tyrolean uprising of 1809 and was executed in Mantua on February 20, 1810.
The commemoration is always held around the anniversary of the hero's death. During these days, the local Schützen company gathers at the Herz-Jesu-Kapelle near the Sandwirt and then marches in historical costume toward the parish church of San Leonardo, accompanied by their own marching band.
Andreas Hofer and the Sandwirt
Born at the Sandwirt farm in the Passiria Valley, Andreas Hofer is the symbolic figure of Tyrolean identity. The ceremony is not a mere re-enactment: the Schützen treat it as a true civic duty, keeping alive the memory of Hofer and — with equal intensity — that of all victims of the world wars.
The Schützenkompanie Andreas Hofer
The company, refounded on December 4, 1955, at the Gasthof Sandwirt after a forced interruption, is currently led by Captain (Hauptmann) Patrick Wilhelm. Since 1974, it has maintained a bond of friendship with the Schützengesellschaft of Fuchsmühl, Bavaria, which became an official twinning between the municipalities in 1988. The company participates in village festivals, religious processions, and district shooting competitions (Schützenbezirk).
A rite of memory and peace
The central moment of the Gedenkfeier is the commemorative speech, followed by the solemn General-De-Charge, the ceremonial rifle salute performed under the captain's command. It is a sober and heartfelt rite, where the Passiria Valley community unites around its values: loyalty to tradition, the memory of the struggles for freedom, and a clear call to preserve peace.
- Where: San Leonardo in Passiria (St. Leonhard in Passeier), Passiria Valley, Province of Bolzano
- When: Every year around February 20th (anniversary of Hofer's death)
- Who: Schützenkompanie Andreas Hofer, Andreas Hofer marching band, local community
- Admission: Free
Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony — edition 2026
Gedenkfeier 2026
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Schützenkompanie Andreas Hofer held its commemorative ceremony in the center of San Leonardo in Passiria. After gathering in the village, the company marched toward the parish church accompanied by the Andreas Hofer marching band.
This year, the commemorative speech was intentionally entrusted to three young Schützen from the village — Katharina, Ivo, and Max — rather than political representatives: a call to history and the importance of preserving peace, entrusted to the new generations. The celebration concluded with the solemn General-De-Charge, the rifle salute performed under the command of Captain Patrick Wilhelm.
In the preceding days, the company had also been present at the commemoration in Mantua (February 20) and the provincial festival at the Bergisel in Innsbruck. In 2026, the major Andreas-Hofer-Landesfeier was held in Merano, while the local ceremony remained in San Leonardo.
Programme Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony 2026
- February 18 — Gewehrabnahme (annual inspection of the Schützen district weapons)
- February 20 — Anniversary of the Sandwirt's death: evening ceremony at the Herz-Jesu-Kapelle near the Sandwirt; participation in the commemorations in Mantua and Innsbruck (Bergisel)
- February 22 — Main celebration in San Leonardo: gathering in the village, procession to the parish church with the Andreas Hofer marching band, commemorative speech by Jungschützen Katharina, Ivo, and Max, rifle salute (General-De-Charge)
Highlights Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony 2026
- Commemorative speech delivered by young Schützen Katharina, Ivo, and Max
- Procession with the Andreas Hofer marching band to the parish church
- Rifle salute (General-De-Charge) under the command of Captain Patrick Wilhelm
- Evening ceremony on February 20 at the Herz-Jesu-Kapelle near the Sandwirt
Prices Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony 2026
Practical information — Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony
How to get there
San Leonardo in Passiria is located in the Passiria Valley, about 20 km north of Merano. By car: from Merano along the SS44 towards Passo del Rombo/Passo Giovo. By train to Merano, then take the SASA/SAD bus line to the Passiria Valley.
Admission
The commemorative ceremony is free to attend and takes place in the village center, between the Herz-Jesu-Kapelle at the Sandwirt and the parish church of San Leonardo.
What to see
Nearby, you can visit the MuseumPasseier dedicated to Andreas Hofer and the Sandwirt farm, his birthplace.
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Where does it take place — Andreas Hofer Commemorative Ceremony
Chiesa parrocchiale di San Leonardo / Sandwirt
Raiffeisenplatz 2, 39015 San Leonardo in Passiria/St. Leonhard in Passeier