Easter Monday is a special day in the spa town of Merano: The Haflinger horses race in Maia Bassa
It all begins on Easter Monday with a festive parade starting in the old town of Merano at the Porta Venosta gate. Horses and riders in the traditional costumes of their home municipalities, festive floats, music bands and folklore groups make their way in the morning to the Merano-Maia Racecourse, where the famous Haflinger gallop race takes place in the afternoon.
It is considered the kick-off of the Merano racing season - the first official obstacle race then follows in May. The main protagonists are the Haflinger horses. Around 70 mares from all parts of the region compete over a distance of 1,300 metres. The gallop race has been taking place since 1896 and combines sport and folklore in a unique way - it marks its 130th anniversary in 2026.
The categories are "Mares 5 and more years", "4-year-old young mares" and "3-year-old young mares", with the grand final run over 1,600 metres taking place at the end. The programme between the races includes DJ music and performances by traditional "Schuhplattler" and "Goasslschnöller" (whip crackers), while the farmers' wives from the Val Sarentino serve regional specialities. There is a playground and free horse riding for the little ones.
