Everything begins on Easter Monday with a lovely parade which starts in the old town of Merano, more precisely at the Porta Venosta gate called "Vinschger Tor". Horses and their riders wearing the traditional costumes of their home towns, parade floats, local music bands and folklore groups parade to the Merano-Maia Racecourse in the quarter of Maia Bassa. There, the Haflinger Gallop Races take place in the afternoon. It marks the start of the Merano horse race season - the first official obstacle race is scheduled in May. The main protagonists are the Haflinger horses.

About 70 mares from all over the region participate in a number of thrilling racings on a distance of 1,600 metres. The traditional Haflinger Gallop Races, taking place since 1896, combine sport and folklore in a unique way. The entertainment programme includes performances by local music and dance groups, the traditional "Goasslschnöllen" and a trotting race. On the ground floor of the hippodrome, however, there are booths with local delicacies. In the late afternoon, the final race takes place, in order to find out the fastest Haflinger of South Tyrol. Also bets can be places.