Burgraviato Palio

A challenge between the Burgraviato municipalities

The Burgraviato Palio is one of the most distinctive equestrian and folk events in South Tyrol. Every year, on the last Sunday of August, the Merano Racecourse (in the municipality of Merano, province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige region) becomes the stage for a friendly challenge involving the 26 municipalities of the Burgraviato district, the historic territory surrounding the spa town of Merano.

Established in 2013 by Merano Galoppo, the Palio was created to unite the two great equestrian cultures typical of South Tyrol: thoroughbred horses and Haflinger horses, the native breed that originated on the Avelengo plateau above Merano.

How the competition works

On the Friday before the event, the draw takes place: each municipality is paired with a thoroughbred and a Haflinger horse, which compete in elimination races. The jockeys wear jackets in the colors of the municipality they represent, creating a striking visual display along the track.

• Thoroughbred races on the flat track
• Haflinger horse races, with the final determining the winner of the Palio trophy
• The spectacular barrel race, a relay where athletes from each municipality roll a barrel by hand along the home stretch

Participating municipalities include, among others, Avelengo, Cermes, Lagundo, Lana, Marlengo, Merano, Naturno, Parcines, Postal, Rifiano, Scena, Tesimo, and Tirolo, alongside the other towns in the district.

Folklore, gastronomy, and music

The Burgraviato Palio is more than just a sporting competition: it is a true open-air village festival. Around the track, you will find food stalls offering South Tyrolean specialties, wood-fired pizza, bars, ice cream parlors, and champagne bars, while live music accompanies the entire day. For the little ones, pony rides and dedicated activities are organized.

Admission is free for residents of the 26 municipalities of the Burgraviato, highlighting the community spirit of the event. Thanks to its cheerful atmosphere and strong local identity, the Palio has become a fixed appointment at the end of the Merano summer and one of the most anticipated moments for the towns of the Merano basin.