128th Traditional Haflinger horse races and procession

Easter Monday has been a very special date for horse lovers in Merano since the end of the 19th century. The traditional Haflinger gallop race fascinates an enthusiastic audience year after year. The best Haflinger horses of the season compete against each other in this race, offering spectators breathtaking excitement, spectacular races and an exciting supporting programme. It is not without reason that the Haflinger horse is so popular, as it is considered one of the symbols of South Tyrol. World-famous, with its reddish-brown coat, blond mane and good-natured character, the progenitor of the breed was born in 1874 in Schluderns in the Vinschgau Valley to the breeder Josef Folie. He had paired an Arabian stallion with a local mare. The village of Hafling above Meran gave the breed its name.
The grand parade with horses, riders and magnificently decorated floats starts at 10:00 am at the Vinschgau Gate and moves through the streets of the town centre. Via Rennweg, Freiheitsstraße, Sandplatz, Kurpromenade (towards the theatre bridge), Piavestraße and Gampenstraße, the procession arrives at the Merano racecourse. The parade is accompanied by the Mölten band, the Vilpian & St. Felix band, the Schuhplattler group from Mölten and the Verdinser Goaslschnöller. The Sarner Fanfarenbläser will also be playing.
Please see the following flyer for the detailed programme.