Elwetritsche Race — 2nd Experience Sunday
4th edition of the original Palatinate swimming duck race with Palatinate mythical creatures on the 2nd Experience Sunday
About Elwetritsche Race
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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.
Elwetritsche Race — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Elwetritsche Race in 2026 falls on the city's 2nd Experience Sunday on May 3. Integrated into an active city day with a farmers' market and wine event, the race forms the humorous midday highlight.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years: sale of swimming Elwetritschen in the morning, meeting point at the Floßbach around 11:30 AM, race start at 12 PM, finish at the festival meadow, followed by the award ceremony and prize draw.
Programme Elwetritsche Race 2026
Morning — Farmers' Market and Elwetritsche Sale
Farmers' market in the city center from 11 AM. Swimming Elwetritschen available on-site at the Floßbach (if not already sold out in advance).
11:45 AM — Meeting Point
Gathering of Elwetritsche sponsors at the Floßbach stream in Wallgasse, near Roxy cinema.
12:00 PM — Race Start
The numbered swimming Elwetritschen are released into the water and float down the Floßbach stream towards the finish line at the festival meadow near Café Winzig.
Approx. 12:30 PM — Finish and Award Ceremony
The top-placed Elwetritschen are celebrated, their sponsors receive prizes. Afterwards, festival activities on the meadow.
1:00 PM–6:00 PM — Experience Sunday
WEIN.EVENT in the town hall, farmers' market, open shops in the city center.
Highlights Elwetritsche Race 2026
- 4th edition of the humorous Palatinate race
- Start at 12 PM at the Floßbach stream in Wallgasse
- Swimming Elwetritschen available for €10
- Part of the 2nd Experience Sunday with farmers' market
- Palatinate folklore creature Elwetritsche at the center
Prices Elwetritsche Race 2026
Practical information — Elwetritsche Race
Date
Sunday, May 3, 2026, start at 12:00 PM.
Location
Start: Floßbach stream in Wallgasse, near Roxy cinema, Neustadt an der Weinstraße city center. Finish: Festival meadow near Café Winzig.
Participation
Swimming Elwetritschen available for €10 each — purchase on the day of the event on-site or through the Neustadt City Management. Limited quantity, race licenses sold in advance.
Admission
Free admission for spectators. Participation in the race requires the purchase of a swimming Elwetritsche.
Supporting Program
2nd Experience Sunday: Farmers' market in the city center 11 AM–6 PM, WEIN.EVENT in the town hall 1 PM–6 PM, open shops.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Elwetritsche Race al mejor precio.
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