Skiathos Horse Racing

April 23rd marks the feast day of Agios Georgios, the patron saint of all the shepherds and cavaliers. Along with a lively celebration with great food and loud music, a special horse-racing event takes place on this day. In it, local horses and donkeys race each other beside a lake, located near the airport of Skiathos and next to the church of Agios Georgios.

The race starts in the suburbs of Skiathos Town and is attended by many locals and tourists, with a spirit of fun and enjoyment surrounding the entire event. The prize for the fastest horse is a trophy cup and a symbolic amount of money. Horsemen are usually young people and the winner is said to be blessed for the rest of the year. The event is meant to honor the saint, as Agios Georgios is frequently depicted as a young soldier on a horse slaying a dragon.