What it is

The Imnarja horse races are the most distinctive part of the Mnarja tradition: a morning of trotting and bareback gallop races held at the Ta' Xhajma racecourse in Xewkija, Gozo, on the feast day weekend.

Racing on 7 June 2026 runs from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. The card mixes traditional sulky trotting with mounted gallop heats — short, fast and very local. Prizes include the centuries-old embroidered palji, which were blessed at Mdina Cathedral the night before. The atmosphere is village-fete rather than racecourse: families, picnic chairs, kbejjez biscuits and gbejniet on sale at the gate.

Entry is free. Get there early — the access road through Xewkija is narrow and parking is informal. Take a hat: there is no shade.

Where it is

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