Doxato Horse Racing

Horse races have been held every year in Doxato on May 2 for many years. It is the custom, the revival of which the residents await with great joy. It is an integral element of the tradition of the historical Doxato and one of the most important cultural events of Drama.
The history of Horse Racing is lost in the depths of the centuries. From the evidence we know, it is that during the period of the Turkish rule, horse racing had a form of competition between the Greeks and the Turks. While they enabled young children to display their riding virtues, their technique and skill in handling horses.
Later, in the era of the Macedonian struggle, the horse races of Doxato were the perfect pretext for the meeting of the chieftains of the wider region of Eastern Macedonia, which aimed to coordinate their action for liberation.
The custom remains to this day based on the relationship between man and horses. A relationship that begins with the Ancient Macedonians and continues to this day. After all, Doxato is a place where the residents’ special relationship with horses is obvious.
The horse races, which highlight the historical ties of the horse to the region, take place in the context of the festive events of the Patron and patron saint of the martyred town of Doxato, Agios Athanasios.