For several years now, plastic ducks have started a special race at the Ponte della Posta, the Post Bridge in Merano
Image gallery: Duck Race South Tyrol
The South Tyrolean Duck Race has made a name for itself in the regional event calendar: It takes place every year in April and makes the waters of the Passirio River in Merano disappear under a colourful plastic carpet. The squeaky ducks start from the Post Bridge near the Merano Thermal Baths and swim happily 400 metres downstream to the Theatre Bridge at the Municipal Theatre of Merano. And the question everyone is asking is: Which is the fastest duck?
What's behind it? The Duck Race South Tyrol or Südtiroler Entenrennen is a charity event organised by the Merano Lions Club. At the "sponsored duck race", businesses and private persons can purchase a duck, which they then decorate and send to the starting line. In addition, there is the "lucky duck race", in which everyone can take part - the first 100 ducks that cross the finish line will be awarded - and the exclusive "premium duck race", where 24 sponsored ducks compete against each other. One day, three races and a lottery... the proceeds are then donated.
