Elwetritsche Race — 2nd Experience Sunday

The Elwetritsche Race is one of the most original and charming events in the Neustadt festival calendar. The 4th edition takes place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, starting at 12 PM — embedded in the city's 2nd Experience Sunday, which enlivens the entire city center with a farmers' market, the WEIN.EVENT, and open shops.

But what is an Elwetritsche? The mythical Palatinate creature is an invention of Palatinate folk tradition: a shy, elusive little bird with feathers, scales, and fangs, said to live in the forests of the Palatinate. The 'Elwetritschenjagd' (Elwetritsche hunt) — where unsuspecting guests are sent into the forest with sacks and lanterns — is a classic Palatinate prank, comparable to the Bavarian Wolpertinger. Today, the Elwetritsche has become a proud Palatinate mascot and adorns crockery, souvenirs, and coats of arms.

In the Elwetritsche Race, lovingly designed plastic Elwetritschen take on the role of racing participants. They are released into the water at the beginning of the race on the Floßbach stream in Wallgasse (near the Roxy cinema) and float down the stream towards the finish line at the festival meadow near Café Winzig. For €10, each participant can buy their own swimming Elwetritsche — and with a bit of luck and current, win the main prize.

The race is embedded in the 2nd Experience Sunday: a farmers' market with regional producers in the city center, the parallel WEIN.EVENT in the town hall, and open shops all day. A perfect combination to spend a full day in Neustadt — from the farmers' market in the morning to the Elwetritsche Race at midday to wine tasting in the afternoon.