"Association of Philippi Peloponnese"

The "Association of Philippi Peloponnese" was founded in 2000 with the aim of strengthening the Messenian equestrian tradition. It is located in the picturesque village of Platy, the oldest name of which was Baista, and it is assumed that it got it from a Turkish Aga.

Every year, in the village, the Association revives the custom of horse races that started a few years before the Greek Revolution. In those old days, a leavened bun made of flour, eggs and sugar was given as a prize.

Today, the races take place on the hippodrome, a one-kilometre-long dirt road that starts from the chapel of Agios Georgios and ends in the village. Moreover, keeping the custom alive, the "Association of Philippi Peloponnese" organises equestrian competitions twice a year. The first horse races occur on St. George's Day (a movable holiday), and the second on Assumption Day (August 15th).

The horse races are organised under the auspices of the Municipality of Kalamata. At the same time, upon their completion, a festival is held, with live music and rich food, in the village square.