15 Fascinating Kentucky Derby Traditions You Didn’t Know About
The Kentucky Derby isn't just a horse race; it's a whirlwind of timeless traditions, outrageous fashion, mint juleps, and Southern spectacle that transforms Churchill Downs into the most unforgettable two minutes (and weekend) in sports.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
The Kentucky Derby is much more than a horse race; it’s a stunning spectacle of tradition, flair, and Southern heritage. From the mournful blast of the bugle to the riotous wave of outrageous hats and mint juleps, every aspect comes together in a lavish, indelible tapestry. Behind the two minutes of pounding hooves are centuries of rituals, hidden recipes, and charged celebrations that fascinate America year after year.
1. The Garland of Roses
Image from The Courier-Journal
The Kentucky Derby is also known as “The Run for the Roses” because the winner is wrapped in a beautiful garland made of more than 400 red roses. The practice dates back to 1896, when the first rose garland was given to the Derby winner. These days, it takes a devoted team of florists close to 12 hours to sew every rose onto the satin backing by hand.
2. The Mint Julep Craze
Image from Liquor.com
During the event, Derby spectators drink almost 120,000 mint juleps in the two-day period. The drink, made with bourbon, fresh mint, and sugar syrup over crushed ice, is served in signature silver or commemorative glasses. There is even a $1,000 special premium mint julep served in gold-plated cups with exotic ingredients!
3. The Twin Spires
Image from All About The Race
The Twin Spires atop the grandstand at Churchill Downs have been the image of the Kentucky Derby ever since they were constructed in 1895. Their architect, Joseph Dominic Baldez, was just 24 when he designed them as a mere stylistic touch. Now, they are one of the most seared architectural images in American sport.
4. Singing “My Old Kentucky Home”
Image from Emily Bingham
Minutes before post time, the crowd of over 150,000 sings “My Old Kentucky Home” in a moving, unifying moment. This tradition started in the 1920s and continues today, often bringing many attendees to tears. The University of Louisville marching band typically leads the rendition.
5. Burgoo Stew
Image from Simply Recipes
Burgoo, a rich, spicy meat and vegetable stew, has been a Derby tradition for years. Once a communal dish prepared in massive iron kettles, it was served to large groups at horse races and political gatherings. Now, it’s still served throughout Louisville during Derby Week, sometimes with a secret family recipe variation.
6. The Infield Celebrities
Image from X
While Millionaire’s Row attracts all the upscale attention, the Derby infield is notoriously rowdy and raucous, tending to attract celebrities who wish to party anonymously. From Hunter S. Thompson to Tom Brady, numerous stars have been seen socializing amidst the bedlam. Numerous fans celebrate costumes, mud sliding, and any number of outrageous shenanigans.
7. Millionaire’s Row Traditions
Image from Wikipedia
Millionaire’s Row, the upscale dining and viewing section, has its own unwritten customs, such as donning custom-made suits and exotic designer hats and sipping Woodford Reserve bourbon out of crystal tumblers. It costs thousands of dollars to get in and is by invitation only. Famous deals, marriages, and long-term friendships have begun over Derby Day lunches here.
8. The Unofficial “Hat Parade”
Image from The New York Times
Extravagant headpieces are more than merely a style trend; they are literally a necessity. Derby attendees will spend months conceptualizing or designing one-of-a-kind headpieces, from elegantly traditional to shockingly themed. There’s even an unofficial “best hat” contest among patrons annually, though no official winner is announced.
9. The Call to the Post
Image from Louisville Public Media
Before every race, a solo bugler plays “Call to the Post,” a short, electrifying melody that brings the horses to the track. This primitive, spine-tingling bugle blast has been a tradition dating back to the 1920s. The existing bugler, Steve Buttleman, has been playing since 1995 and is as much a part of the scene as the race itself.
10. The Derby Festival Pegasus Parade
Image from Spectrum News
The Kentucky Derby Festival begins with the Pegasus Parade, a large and old parade in the United States. It was first conducted in 1956 with huge floats, marching bands, and celebrities and typically attracts over 250,000 viewers. Its theme always relates to Derby enthusiasm and Kentucky pride.
11. The Longines Kentucky Oaks “Pink Out”
Image from Kentucky Derby
A day before the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks race honors fillies (young female horses), but it’s also a massive tribute to breast cancer survivors. Spectators are encouraged to don pink in solidarity, filling Churchill Downs with a sea of pink. A Survivors Parade on the track commemorates dozens of breast cancer survivors yearly.
12. The Galt House Balcony Party
Image from The Galt House
The Galt House Hotel downtown welcomes legendary balcony parties to Derby Week. From its enormous terraces, patrons sip mint juleps, hear live entertainment, and take in rooftop views of the Ohio River and city festivities. This hotel has been a celebrity hot spot for generations—Muhammad Ali himself used to attend parties here.
13. The “Derby Pie” Feud
Image from Paula Deen
Derby Pie, a chocolatey, walnut dessert that’s gooey in the center, is a beloved Louisville institution, but it’s also trademarked and fiercely defended. Only Kern’s Kitchen can use the name “Derby Pie” on their pie, which has resulted in dozens of lawsuits over the years. Other Kentucky bakeries get around this by renaming their pies “Race Day Pie” or “Kentucky Pie” to stay out of trouble.
14. Derby Morning Workouts
Image from Kentucky Derby
The week before the Derby, Churchill Downs opens early to allow fans to witness the thoroughbreds training under the foggy morning. Labeled as the “Dawn at the Downs,” this more intimate view allows spectators to observe the horses in a subdued, personal atmosphere. Jockeys, trainers, and stablehands are often surprisingly willing to chat when these sessions happen.
15. “Thurby” Thursday Tradition
Image from Spectrum News
“Thurby” or Thursday of Derby Week has become its own little celebration, particularly for residents. What used to be an ordinary race day, Thurby now includes live music, select bourbon tastings, and a festival-like vibe without the dreaded crowds of Derby Day. It’s the authentic insider’s approach to launching the final stretch of celebrations.