The Leone Philharmonic Society has announced that, “for the first time in its history,” permits have not been been granted for the traditional and national horse races of Santa Marija in Victoria, Gozo on the 15th of August.

This follows a decision taken by the Veterinary Regulation Directorate within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, the Society said.

In light of the restrictions imposed, the Leone Society said that, “for this year, it is transferring the Santa Marija horse races from the afternoon of the 15th of August, to Saturday, the 5th of August, from 4pm onwards.

Last year, at the last minute, the timings of the races were changed to between 4 and 6.30pm on the 15th of August after restrictions were issued by the Department of Veterinary Regulation within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, saying that “between 2pm and 4pm, horses are subject to cruelty and bad treatment because of heat.”In a statement, the Leone Philharmonic Society said that “for centuries, the Livestock Races of Santa Marija have been an integral part of Maltese cultural heritage, dating back to the early 1500s – a tradition that surpasses even the world-renowned races of Siena.”

It argued that “this event not only provided a sense of identity and unity among the people but also served as a celebration of our united customs and history.”

The Leone Society said it is “disappointed because the decision not to issue permits for the races as they have always been done, was taken on grounds that have never been substantiated.”

It then went on to say “if the races are being stopped without a substantiated reason, one can only imagine what other traditions that will experience the same fate.”

The Society claimed that, “despite repeated requests for assessments and scientific studies to support the decision to stop the event as it has always been organised, the veterinary department has failed to provide any substantial evidence for the reasons provided.”

“The horse races of Santa Marija could continue to live, as they had before, with more balanced measures and also sensitive to the thousands of people who are fans of the sport, that from year to year follow this event, and who do not necessarily resort to social media or broadcasting media to make their voices heard.” the Society said.

Instead, the Society lamented, “a unilateral decision was taken which has very little semblance of justice.”

The Leone Society added that it has “an interest in protecting animal rights as much as it has an interest in protecting the cultural traditions that define us as Maltese, including the Maltese festa, which the country hopes to achieve as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

“This circumstance reminds us that nothing is free from the dangers of secularism, bureaucracy and populism,” stated the Society#.

It urged the Government and public authorities “to give priority to the protection and promotion of our cultural heritage through inclusive consultations, scientific assessments, and transparent protests.”

It insisted that “in no way and at no time was the presence or assessment of Government veterinarians ever refused. At no time were violations of the law tolerated. At no time has the indefensible been defended.”

The Leone Society appealed to the Government and the public authorities to reconsider their decision and enter into a constructive dialogue.

Top file photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary; and below photo by Leone Society

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