Australia

boxing day

Boxing Day Events in Australia

In Australia, Boxing Day is one of the most celebrated public holidays that fall on the next day after Christmas. By date, it automatically is observed every December 26. Aside from Australia, other countries like Uganda, Fiji, Hong Kong, Belize, Canda, UK, and other previous British colonies celebrate the event.

There are a few theories on why it is specifically called ‘Boxing Day’ but has no clear basis up to this day. One of these theories is from the early 1800s in Britain which signifies the first possible date for the resume of postal services, as well as the arrival of packages. Meanwhile, another theory also points to the tradition of wealthy European families when they give boxes filled with Christmas treats for their staff.

While there is a huge possibility about these theories, Boxing Day will always be celebrated especially.

boxing day

Boxing Day is celebrated differently in every country. Some put extra effort into their meals during this special day, while others celebrate it by fox hunting. Now, this is how Australia celebrates it.

Shopping on Boxing Day

In Australia, ‘Boxing Day Sales’ is one of the most anticipated shopping splurges. Australians spend up to $2.4 million during this day. Annually, thousands of shoppers are anticipated on department stores and other shops to score a bargain. The shops usually open very early and close late at night to accommodate all the shoppers. And as it is considered a huge event, it has always been broadcasted around the country.

Cricket Test Matches

boxing day
The Boxing Day Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.  (c) Daniel Burlon

Every December 26, the Melbourne Cricket Grounds is brimming with thousands of cricket fans. They all flock for the annual five-day test matches against other different countries. Between 1999 and 2007, the Australian cricket team won all the Boxing Day test matches marking a huge victory for the nation.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Another notable sport that happens every December 26 is the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The race covers a distance of 630 nautical miles between Sydney Harbour and Hobart on the island of Tasmania. Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, it is widely considered to be one of the most difficult yacht races in the world.

boxing day

Boxing Day is a Public Holiday

Boxing Day is a public holiday in most countries that celebrates it. Schools, organisations, and other establishments are usually closed during the day. Even public transportation is significantly less in numbers but in other areas, there is absolutely none.

boxing day

On behalf of the Dynamic Business Outsourcing Solutions, we are wishing you all a safe and very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year! We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your trust and support throughout 2019.

Happy Holidays from all of us in DBOS! 

melbourne

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Melbourne Cup

Fondly recognised as “the race that stops a nation”, the Melbourne Cup is the richest handicap race in the world and known as Australia’s most distinguished thoroughbred horse race. Due to its popularity, it attracts many participants from HongKong, Japan, Ireland, England, France, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

The Melbourne Cup is one of the races in the 4-day spring carnival within the “Cup Week”. It is an annual event that happens every first Tuesday of November and is declared a public holiday in the state of Victoria. Aside from the series of race, people also look forward to being part of “Fashions on the Field” which is Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event with big prizes up for grabs.

And if you’re new to the Melbourne Cup fever, you should read more about these 10 fun facts that you might not know about one of the biggest horse racing events in the world.

melbourne cup

This year, the annual Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, November 5 at the Flemington Racecourse. On the day itself, 24 horses will line-up to the final field in the barriers hoping to cross the 3200m race around the racetrack.

Numerous punting websites and even journalists continuously write about the horseracing event. Everyone in Victoria is involved in the event, especially the local restaurants and pubs. Hospitality businesses will surely boom from all the visitors coming to Melbourne to witness the Cup day and three more days of the carnival.

This year, it will be the 158th running of the race since its origins back in 1861. And just like in the previous years, the crowd is expected to reach more than 100,000 people. It will also be televised to an audience of around 650 million around the world.

Expected to last for approximately three and a half minutes, the Melbourne Cup is the ultimate test of strength, speed and endurance.

Get more detailed information about the Melbourne Cup and be a part of Australia’s most anticipated event that combines sports, entertainment, fashion and food – all in just four days!