AFL Grand Final Friday
AFL Grand Final Friday: A Celebration of Aussie Rules Football
AFL Grand Final Friday is a public holiday in Victoria, Australia, celebrated on the day before the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final. It’s a day dedicated to building excitement for one of the country’s biggest sporting events and fostering community spirit.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The Friday before the AFL Grand Final, typically in late September
- Tagged as: Public holiday, Sporting event, Community celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #AFLGrandFinalFriday
- When was it founded?: 2015
- Who founded it?: Victorian State Government
History of AFL Grand Final Friday
AFL Grand Final Friday was introduced in 2015 by the Victorian State Government to celebrate the significance of the AFL Grand Final to the state’s culture and economy. The holiday aims to allow more people to participate in pre-game festivities and build anticipation for the big match.
Timeline
- 2015: First AFL Grand Final Friday public holiday introduced
- 2016: Holiday continues despite some controversy
- 2020: Holiday maintained even with Grand Final moved due to COVID-19
- 2021: Holiday returns to its usual late September date
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 25 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 24 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 29 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 28 | Friday |
| 2030 | September 27 | Friday |
Observed
AFL Grand Final Friday is observed throughout Victoria, Australia. It’s marked by various events, most notably the Grand Final Parade in Melbourne, featuring players from the competing teams.
Fun Facts About AFL Grand Final Friday
- It’s one of the few public holidays in the world dedicated to a sporting event.
- The Grand Final Parade attracts over 100,000 spectators each year.
- Many workplaces hold footy-themed parties on the Thursday before the holiday.
- It’s sometimes jokingly called “Dusty Day” after AFL star Dustin Martin.
Quiz
- In which Australian state is AFL Grand Final Friday a public holiday?
- What year was the holiday first introduced?
- What major event typically happens on this day?
(Answers: 1. Victoria, 2. 2015, 3. The Grand Final Parade)
FAQs
Q: Is AFL Grand Final Friday a national holiday in Australia?
A: No, it’s only observed in the state of Victoria.
Q: What happens if the Grand Final is not held in Melbourne?
A: The holiday is still observed in Victoria, regardless of where the match is played.
Importance of AFL Grand Final Friday
AFL Grand Final Friday plays a crucial role in building excitement for the Grand Final and allows more people to participate in pre-game celebrations. It also provides an economic boost to Victoria through increased tourism and spending on entertainment and hospitality.
Related
- AFL Grand Final
- Melbourne Cup Day
- Australian Rules Football
- Victorian public holidays