In Doxato, every year on May 2nd, horse races take place, an integral part of the historic municipality's tradition and one of Drama's premier cultural events. 

The origins of this custom trace back centuries. During the Ottoman era, the horse races symbolized a competition between Greeks and Turks, giving Greek youth an opportunity to showcase their riding skills and horse-handling techniques, such as shoeing. 

During the Macedonian Struggle, these races served as a pretext for local chieftains to meet and coordinate efforts in the fight for liberation. 

Today, the Doxato horse races celebrate the region's historical ties to horses and are held in honour of Saint Athanasius, the patron saint of the martyred town of Doxato.