Adelaide Cup in South Australia
Observed on the second Monday of March in South Australia, the Adelaide Cup is a public holiday and a major sporting event. This event has been observed as a public holiday since the early 1970s, but it wasn’t celebrated until 2006. This was done to increase the popularity of the race by making sure that it was observed during a less rainy month.
Australia (State holiday) - South australia Although the public holiday has only been celebrated for approximately half a century, the race has much older origins that reach back to the 19th century in Australia. In fact, it was invented only three years after the invention of the Melbourne Cup — a race that was inaugurated in 1861.
The History Of The Adelaide Cup In South Australia
On April 21st, 1864, the first Adelaide Cup was run at Thebarton Racecourse. At this initial race, approximately 8,000 people showed up to observe the event. From 1870 to 1871, there was no race but it would return in 1872. It would continue until 1942 but was discontinued that year and the following year because of World War II. In 1973, this event would become a public holiday and it’s been observed ever since.
Facts About South Australia
Below are some facts about South Australia that we feel everyone will appreciate learning about, especially if they aren’t able to make it to the Adelaide Cup when it rolls around in March. So, with that said, let’s take a look at the following facts below.
- South Australia has 13 wine regions and a large ratio of restaurants and cafes. That makes it the food and wine center of Australia.
- The average winter temperature in South Australia is 15 degrees Celsius, or about 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
- South Australia has a number of National Parks including Deep Creek National Park, Gawler Ranges National Park, and Lincoln National Park.
- South Australia has more than 3,700 kilometers of coastline.
- Murray River has a length of 1,558 miles.
- The Murray-Darling river system covers a length of over 2,300 miles.
Observing The Adelaide Cup In South Australia
In South Australia, this event is one of the biggest ones of the year. It attracts people from all over, including not only average citizens but also socialites and horse racing enthusiasts as well. Near the tracks, marquees are set up where some people can grab food and drinks. Since this event is televised, many people also decide to watch it from home. On social media, people spread the word about this event using the hashtag #AdelaideCup.
Australia (State holiday) - South australia 
