Traditional Haflinger Horse Race and Parade
The Haflinger horse gallop race and traditional parade, held on Easter Monday in Merano
About Haflinger Easter Monday Race
The Haflinger horse festival in Merano
The Traditional Haflinger Horse Race and Parade, known in Italian as the Corsa dei Cavalli Avelignesi a Pasquetta, is one of the most deep-rooted events in the calendar of Merano/Meran, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of South Tyrol. Every Easter Monday, the city dresses up to celebrate the Haflinger horse, the iconic breed of the Avelengo plateau that overlooks the Merano basin.
A tradition born in 1896
The event has its roots in the late 19th century: the first farmers' race was organized in 1896, giving rise to what has become one of the most beloved traditional festivals in South Tyrol. With the 2026 edition, the race reached the milestone of 130 editions, celebrating over a century of passion for this equine breed with its characteristic chestnut coat and blonde mane.
The parade and the races
The day begins in the morning with the grand historical pageant, which departs from the Porta Venosta (Vinschger Tor) and travels through the historic center of Merano to the Maia Hippodrome, in the Untermais/Maia Bassa district. Horses decked out for the occasion, riders in traditional costumes, brass bands, allegorical floats, and folk groups bring the city streets to life. In the afternoon, the gallop races begin at the hippodrome: the Haflinger mares compete over distances of up to 1,600 meters, divided by age class, until the final that determines the fastest horse in the province.
An event for the whole family
Between races, there are performances by folk groups, Goaßlschnöller (whip-cracking) shows, live music, and stalls featuring Tyrolean gastronomic specialties. The festive atmosphere, the connection to farming traditions, and the backdrop of the Merano mountains make this event an unmissable appointment for families, horse racing fans, and tourists spending their Easter holidays in South Tyrol.
Haflinger Easter Monday Race — edition 2026
The 130th edition
On April 6, 2026, Easter Monday, Merano celebrated the 130th anniversary of the Traditional Haflinger Horse Race. The day opened at 10:00 AM with the grand parade from Porta Venosta (Vinschger Tor) towards the Maia Hippodrome in Untermais. Riders in costume, brass bands, floats, and carriages accompanied the Haflinger horses along the streets of the historic center.
In the afternoon, the gallop races were held: the qualifying heats over a distance of 1,300 meters and the final over 1,600 meters, with the decisive race scheduled around 4:45 PM. For the anniversary edition, a special quadriga from Bavaria was also presented. The event was organized by the Südtiroler Haflinger Pferde Sportverein, chaired by Christoph Zöggeler, in collaboration with the breeders' association, Merano Galoppo, the Merano Tourist Board, and the Municipality.
Programme Haflinger Easter Monday Race 2026
Monday, April 6, 2026 — Easter Monday
- 10:00 AM — Grand parade from Porta Venosta (Vinschger Tor) through the historic center to the Maia Hippodrome (Untermais), with riders in costume, brass bands, floats, and carriages
- Afternoon — Haflinger horse gallop races: qualifying heats (1,300 m) and final (1,600 m), divided by age class
- Approx. 4:45 PM — Final race with the proclamation of the fastest horse
- Between races: folk performances, Goaßlschnöller (whip-cracking), live music, and Tyrolean gastronomic specialties
For the 130th edition, a special quadriga from Bavaria was presented.
Highlights Haflinger Easter Monday Race 2026
Prices Haflinger Easter Monday Race 2026
Practical information — Haflinger Easter Monday Race
Where it takes place
The parade starts from the historic center of Merano (Porta Venosta area) and reaches the Maia Hippodrome, at Via Scuderie 37, in the Untermais/Maia Bassa district. During the morning, some city center streets are closed to traffic for the passage of the pageant.
When
The event is held every year on Easter Monday. The parade starts around 10:00 AM, while the gallop races take place in the afternoon at the hippodrome.
How to get there
Merano is accessible by train (Merano/Meran station) and by car via the A22 Brenner motorway, taking the Bolzano Sud exit and continuing on the MeBo expressway. The Maia Hippodrome is located in the southern part of the city.
Contacts
Organization: Südtiroler Haflinger Pferde Sportverein — Merano Galoppo. Tel. +39 0473 446222, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Haflinger Easter Monday Race
Ippodromo di Maia (Untermais)
Via Scuderie 37, 39012 Merano/Meran