Melbourne Cup Day 2024: Why is this day a Public Holiday in Australia? Check Details

Melbourne Cup Day, celebrated on the first Tuesday in November each year, is one of Australia’s most iconic public holidays and a cornerstone of the country’s sporting and cultural calendar. In 2024, Melbourne Cup Day will be held on November 5, with Australians coming together to celebrate what is often referred to as “the match that stops a nation.”

Although it is only a public holiday in Victoria, the event attracts people from all over the country and is regarded as a major national event. But what makes Melbourne Cup Day so special and why is it celebrated as a public holiday in Australia? Here’s an in-depth look at the history, cultural significance and impact of Melbourne Cup Day 2024.

What is the history of Melbourne Cup Day?

The Melbourne Cup is a famous horse racing event held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. With roots dating back to 1861, the event has grown from obscurity into a world-famous event, attracting thousands of competitors and millions of spectators around the world.

Originally hosted by the Victoria Jockey Club, the Melbourne Cup was originally a two-mile (3.2 km) race designed to test the physical strength and endurance of horses. For metric reasons it has been shortened to 3,200 meters.

The race is staged as part of a wider effort to increase public interest in horse racing and promote Melbourne as a cultural hub. Over time, the Melbourne Cup became a symbol of Australian identity and culture.

Why is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday in Victoria?

The origins of Melbourne Cup Day as a public holiday in Victoria date back to 1873, with early efforts to recognize the importance of the event through the Bank Holidays Act and the Civil Service Act.

These Acts allow for special bank and civil service holidays, which are declared by the Governor in Council and published in the Government Gazette. The Principal Secretariat prepares and submits the necessary documents for these announcements, including Melbourne Cup Day.

In 1873, Chief Secretary James Goodall Francis approved a proposal to make Melbourne Cup Day a special public holiday alongside the birthday of the Prince of Wales. However, this double statement has attracted some criticism.

The Ethical Society is concerned that cup public holidays will encourage gambling habits among young people. Despite this opposition, Melbourne Cup Day continued to gain traction, and in 1875 the event was moved to the second Tuesday in November to align with the Prince’s birthday and further cement its status as an important day for the public.

In 1876, the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), with the support of the Office of the Chief Secretary, requested that Melbourne Cup Day be moved to Tuesday. Over the following years, it became a tradition to declare the Cup a public holiday, with each year’s announcement gradually broadening its coverage.

Finally, in 1993, the Public Holidays Act officially established Melbourne Cup Day as an official public holiday in Victoria, celebrated on the first Tuesday in November each year.

Melbourne Cup Day 2024 is more than just a public holiday in Victoria; it’s a national celebration of Australia’s love of sport, fashion, community and culture. While debate continues about its ethical and gambling implications, the Melbourne Cup’s status as a unifying event is undeniable.

It brings together Australians of all backgrounds to experience the excitement of competition, the elegance of style and the joy of shared heritage. For many, Melbourne Cup Day is a symbol of Australian heritage and as the 2024 event approaches, excitement and anticipation will once again reach fever pitch.

Read | Important dates in November 2024: List of domestic and international dates