Zusslrennen on Fat Thursday

The Zusslrennen, a unique tradition in the Upper Vinschgau

In the heart of the Upper Vinschgau, at the foot of the Stelvio National Park, the municipality of Prato allo Stelvio/Prad am Stilfserjoch preserves one of the most singular carnival traditions in all of South Tyrol. The Zusslrennen takes place every year on Fat Thursday, known locally as Unsinniger Donnerstag, and has served since time immemorial to banish winter and its evil spirits, heralding the arrival of spring. This custom is practiced exclusively in this village in the province of Bolzano, and it is precisely this uniqueness that attracts folklore enthusiasts every year.

Who are the Zussl?

The stars of the parade are the Zussl: local men and boys dressed entirely in white, decorated with colorful ribbons and paper flowers. Around their waists, they carry large cowbells that, in some cases, exceed twenty kilograms in weight. As they move through the town center, they create a deafening roar; according to tradition, it is this very noise that puts the spirits of winter frost to flight.

The figures of the procession

The Zusslrennen is not just about cowbells. The procession is animated by numerous symbolic figures, each with a precise role in the performance:

• The six white horses: young men dressed as horses who pull an old plow through the streets;
• The carter (Fuhrmann): leads the procession, skillfully cracking his long whip, the Goaßl;
• The sower: instead of grain, he scatters wood shavings among the crowd, a gesture recalling an ancient wish for a good harvest;
• The farmers' procession, featuring the farmer and his wife, the manservant, and the maid;
• The merry couple, dressed in rags, who bring up the rear of the parade.

Scholars believe that behind this noisy and choreographic ritual lies an original fertility rite linked to the agricultural cycle, with the plow, the sowing, and the call for nature's rebirth as central elements.

A highlight in the Vinschgau calendar

The Zusslrennen is one of the premier carnival events in the Vinschgau Valley and a defining moment for the community of Prato allo Stelvio. Organized by the local Tourist Association, it is free to attend and takes place in the town center, involving both young and old in a festive atmosphere that blends spectacle, tradition, and rural heritage. Visitors to South Tyrol at this time of year can combine the event with a discovery of the Stelvio National Park and the winter landscapes of the Upper Vinschgau.