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The mint julep, the hats, the roses: Kentucky Derby traditions that still puzzle first-timers
Discover the iconic yet puzzling Kentucky Derby traditions, and learn why they make the race a cultural event as much as a sporting one.
Derby Week is well underway at Churchill Downs. The field is confirmed, the races have started, and the main event is just five days away.
The Kentucky Derby is the talk of the equestrian world right now, and you may be wondering what all the fuss is about.
The excitement and intensity stem from the Derby’s iconic traditions; a heritage that makes it different from any other racing event.
From the hats to the juleps, here’s the origin story behind every Derby tradition, so come race day, you know exactly what is happening and why.
What makes the Kentucky Derby different from every other race?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is the 152nd edition of the famous race, which has been held continuously since 1875.
Each year, around 150,000 spectators attend Derby Day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, making it one of the highest-attended and most-watched sporting events in the world.
While the main race lasts just two minutes, the day is defined by everything around it. Because a day at the Kentucky Derby is as much a cultural event as it is a sporting one, where fashion, food, and ritual take center stage.
- There’s the official drink; the Mint Julep.
- Months go into choosing the perfect outfit, with elaborate, oversized hats becoming part of the spectacle.
- And just before the race, the crowd comes together for a deeply nostalgic rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home.”
The regulation around every competing horse being three years old is the rule that makes the Kentucky Derby what it is. But it’s these traditions, woven into the fabric of the day, that keep people coming back, year after year.
The Run for the Roses: Why garlands of flowers are draped over a horse
One of the most iconic Kentucky Derby traditions is the moment the winning horse is draped in a garland of 554 red roses.
The ‘Run for the Roses’ tradition dates back to the 1880s, when New York socialite E. Berry Wall presented roses to ladies at a post-Derby event. From this point on, the flower has been synonymous with the race.
The garland weighs around 40 pounds and takes a week to hand-assemble over 500 fresh red roses. It’s also adorned with a ‘crown,’ consisting of roses, green fern, and ribbon to symbolize the victory and honor of the win as well as the struggle it took to get there.
This rose blanket, presented in the winner’s circle, is instantly recognizable, turning the win into a visual moment that connects every Derby champion across history.
Why everyone wears hats (and why it matters more than you think)
Probably the most famous Kentucky Derby tradition is the hats. Not only does everyone wear one, but they are always large and elaborate.
The hat tradition originated in Victorian horse racing, when the Derby was a high-society social event. Attendees (especially women) wore elaborate headwear to signal their social standing in the grandstand. The more elaborate the hat, the more status, wealth, and style the wearer possessed.
Today, this tradition has evolved into an unofficial fashion competition, as the most creative hats get a lot of attention. Media and photographers highlight the standout hats of the year, and the “winners” emerge across social media.
The hats are also a form of personal expression, often decorated with flowers, feathers, ribbons, or sculptural designs. Many women even get them custom-designed for the event, which can take months to make.
The hats are the most elaborate in the grandstands and clubhouse, where the dress code is smart casual or semi-formal.
On the other hand, the infield, the most relaxed viewing section, has no dress code. People tend to wear more ‘festival-style’ clothing here. Hats are still common, but they tend to be more playful than elegant.
Wherever you are in Churchill Downs, though, there is a strong emphasis on fashion. The Derby remains one of the very few major sporting events in the USA where what you wear is genuinely part of the spectacle.
The mint julep: A drink that only makes sense at the Kentucky Derby
The Mint Julep has been the official Derby drink since 1938, when Churchill Downs started serving it in souvenir cups.
- The alcoholic cocktail is made with bourbon, mint, and sugar or syrup, served over ice.
- Mint Juleps are served in silver or pewter cups, which signals wealth and keeps the drink cooler for longer.
The bourbon-based drink is a natural fit for Churchill Downs, as Kentucky produces around 95% of the world’s bourbon supply.
The Mint Julep is so popular at the Kentucky Derby, with around 120,000 sold across Derby weekend. This means approximately 10,000 bottles of bourbon and 2,250 pounds of freshly harvested mint are used for the event.
And for those in the premium frontside hospitality areas, unlimited Mint Juleps are included in the ticket price.
What’s more, special souvenir cups are released for the Derby, with the design changing each year. This has made the cup as popular as the drink, becoming a highly sought-after Derby keepsake.
My Old Kentucky Home: The moment the crowd goes quiet
Just before the horses load into the gates at Churchill Downs, the atmosphere around the track changes.
First, the University of Louisville Marching Band appears. In response, the noise of the crowd softens, anticipating one of Derby’s most loved traditions: singing My Old Kentucky Home.
Stephen Foster wrote My Old Kentucky Home in the 1850s. It soon became Kentucky’s state song, adored for its nostalgic, emotional lyrics. And in 1921, it became the anthem of the Kentucky Derby, and has been played every year ever since.
And the timing of the song couldn’t be any more perfect. Played just before the race starts, it slows everything down and creates a shared, emotional moment across the crowd as 150,000+ people sing along.
It’s one of the most distinctive traditions in all of sport. It’s often the most surprising moment of the day for international visitors, and the most moving moment for locals.
Five days out: what first-timers need to know right now
Derby Week is already underway at Churchill Downs. Racing began on April 25, and the main event is just around the corner, on Saturday, May 2.
So, is there still time to make it?
While most grandstand sections are sold out, some tickets may still be available on the official website, though they will be expensive. More affordable general admission infield tickets may be available on resale websites like Ticketmaster.
Most Central Louisville accommodations are already full, but you might find options in nearby towns like Lexington (80 miles away) and Cincinnati (100 miles away).
Louisville transforms completely during Derby Week, with pop-up events, outdoor concerts, and a festival feel throughout the city. So even if you can’t score race tickets, you’ll still be able to soak up the Derby atmosphere. Plus, Louisville in the spring makes for one of the most underrated USA weekend trips for anyone wanting to explore the American South.
Seamless data for a seamless Derby trip
If you’re heading to Louisville for Derby Week, don’t forget about this crucial travel essential: mobile data.
Between navigating the packed streets, checking race schedules, and finding exclusive pop-ups, you’ll need a fast and reliable internet connection.
A Holafly eSIM makes things simple. Set it up before you travel for instant connection and unlimited data throughout your entire trip; no roaming charges, no hunting for WiFi, no swapping SIM cards.
Explore Louisville’s Derby buzz to the fullest with an eSIM for the USA.
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Hey, I’m Mika! I’m an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience and a passion for travel info that actually helps you explore smarter. I write travel guides and tips backed by SEO insights so you can spend less time searching and more time adventuring.
