Leopoldi Day and the tradition of wood carving

On November 15, many in Austria celebrate Leopold Day in honor of Saint Leopold, the patron saint of Vienna and Lower Austria. This holiday offers a wonderful opportunity to honor the cultural heritage and prepare for the contemplative time of year. In addition to church services and regional celebrations, it is a tradition to select special decorations and handmade works of art for the upcoming Christmas season.

Saint Leopold and his significance in Christmas decorations

Saint Leopold, also known as Leopold III, was a prominent ruler and patron of monasteries in Austria. As the patron saint of Vienna and Lower Austria, he is venerated for his charity and strong commitment to the community. Wood carvings of Saint Leopold are not only an expression of this historical legacy but also popular Christmas decorations.

The Val Gardena woodcarving workshop offers Saint Leopold in various versions – natural , hand-painted , or stained . These options allow you to choose the figure according to your taste and the style of your home decor. The natural version highlights the fine grain of the wood, the stained version lends the figure a warm, traditional touch, and the hand-painted version impresses with vibrant colors and intricate details.

Val Gardena wood carvings – handicrafts from the Alps

The Val Gardena valley in South Tyrol is renowned worldwide for its fine wood carvings. Val Gardena wood carvings are characterized by baroque elegance, loving details, and the craftsmanship passed down through generations. Especially during the Christmas season, the artfully crafted figures—such as the nativity figures, angels, and Saint Leopold—enthusiasts seeking authentic, high-quality decorations are delighted. Each figure is carefully carved from wood and is unique, reflecting the Alpine tradition and craftsmanship of the Val Gardena woodcarvers.

Leopoldi Day as an opportunity to discover traditional art

St. Leopold's Day offers a perfect opportunity to learn about the unique art of Val Gardena woodcarving and enhance your own Christmas decorations with a special piece. The figures of St. Leopold and the other festive wood carvings from Val Gardena are not only decorative, but also long-lasting collectibles that will bring joy for years to come and brighten up every Christmas season.

Where can you purchase the wood carvings?

The Grossrubatscher Brothers woodcarving company from Val Gardena exhibits its figures at the popular Christmas markets in Vienna on Freyung and Spittelberg . Visitors can admire the various versions of Saint Leopold and other traditional wooden figures up close and experience the quality and attention to detail for themselves. Those who prefer convenience can also order the works of art from the Val Gardena woodcarving company through their online shop , bringing a piece of Alpine tradition home with them.