Melbourne Cup Carnival. Celebrating the spirit of tradition

In a world where rituals are fading, those that endure are celebrated with devotion. Whether heartfelt or humorous, these traditions bind us together – as families, communities, and as a nation. And no event brings Australia together quite like the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The Melbourne Cup is a celebration filled with quirky, beloved customs. You don’t even have to be an avid racing fan to participate in the excitement, and that’s part of the Cup’s unique charm. In fact, many Australians’ fondest memories of Cup Day don’t come from a win on the track, but from the connections forged in the shared traditions of the day.

Perhaps the most celebrated Cup ritual is picking a horse – for some it is placing a bet, just that once a year, or participating in a friendly sweep or community Calcutta. Having a horse in the race creates instant attachment, sparking a sense of personal investment and excitement. It becomes a moment to lean in, clutch your ticket, and cheer on your chosen horse as if you’d trained it yourself. And of course, everyone has a system they swear by – whether it’s counting letters in a name or picking jockey silks by colour, we all believe, at least for the day, that our method is foolproof.

And, if there’s one day when Australians can indulge their sartorial side, it’s Cup Day. Once upon a time, dressing up for everyday outings, even the cinema, was common, but today, the Lexus Melbourne Cup provides one of the last great excuses to primp, preen, and perhaps even dabble in fashion statements we wouldn’t normally attempt. Frocks, fascinators, suits, and statement hats come out in force, even for those who are simply watching from a backyard barbecue.

For those unable to attend the track, Cup Day has its own brand of rituals. The morning often begins with the classic chicken-and-champagne breakfast – an excuse to get dressed up, pour an early glass of bubbly, and toast the day’s festivities. Those hosting friends might throw a barbecue, embracing the relaxed warmth of an Aussie backyard celebration. Even in states without a public holiday, workers gather together around televisions or radios to catch the big race. At the iconic 3pm pause, Australians in offices, RSLs, sports clubs, and at country race meetings come together to cheer in a moment of shared excitement.

What sets Cup Day apart is that it doesn’t matter if you’re having a real bet or pulling a name out of a hat, sipping champagne or tea, watching from The Birdcage at Flemington or from your couch at home. In this moment, Australians across the nation are united. The excitement, the traditions, the rituals – whether grand or modest – are all part of a collective experience.