Kentucky Derby Of Down Under Is Practically A National Holiday

The Melbourne Cup, I’m learning from my time here in Australia, is quite the big deal Down Under.

It’s a horse race, Australia’s version of the Kentucky Derby. Only from I can gather, it’s a much bigger deal than the Kentucky Derby. That’s because it overwhelms everything her. Nearly every bar has a poster or flyer up for it, some charging $100 or more for entry (which includes a meal and drinks). The entire country practically shuts down for it.

“I don’t know why it’s just not a national holiday,” one of my mates said. “Nothing gets done that day anyway.”

The 2013 Melbourne Cup is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and I’ll be in Sydney, so I’ll be a part of it. When in Australia, party as the Australians do, I suppose. And certainly party when they party!

In America, the Kentucky Derby is huge. In Kentucky. The infield is one of America’s great parties, to be sure. In Louisville.

Outside of the Bluegrass State, the Run for the Roses is something of an “oh, is that today” thing. Sure, some people have house parties with mint juleps and a few bars scattered about the country have Kentucky Derby events. But it’s nothing like the Melbourne Cup, when practically every person watches it from coast to coast, and every restaurant and bar has a viewing party.

I just wonder if the girls will be wearing the big, fancy derby hats that are so prevalent at the Kentucky Derby and other locally big horse racing events, like Del Mar Opening Day.

Like so much in Australia, it’s all new to me But also like so much in Australia, it’s also so exciting to me.

Cheers!