Traditions of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby Festival is kicked off by Thunder Over Louisville, the largest fireworks show in North America. Other attractions that take place during the 2-week event leading up to the race are the Great Balloon Race, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race and the Derby Marathon.

Fans gather at the entrance to the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.

Race fans watch the derby in the grandstand next to the twin spires.

A blacksmith shoes a horse during an early-morning workout to prepare for the derby.

Horses and their jockeys prepare for morning workouts.

The official drink of the derby, the Mint Julep is presented in the specially made Kentucky Derby collectible glass. The Mint Julep is an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and sweet syrup.

A race fan watches the 6th race while sipping on a Mint Julep on Kentucky Oaks Day, grade 1 stakes races for 3-year-old thoroughbred fillies held the friday before the derby.

Fans make their picks during the morning workouts in preparation for the 131st Kentucky Derby.

A panoramic view of the starting gate.

Jockeys vie for position on their way to the finish line during the 136th running.

Horses make their way around turn 4 during the 136th running of the derby.

The Derby Hat Parade, which takes place inside Churchill Downs, shows off the elegant hats worn by women and men during the Kentucky Derby. This fan is decked out in classic headwear prior to the race.

Kentucky Derby fans dressed as jockeys sip on their Mint Juleps and enjoy a cigar before the start of the race.

No fancy hats and Mint Juleps here. A different scene then you would find in the grandstand, fans gather within the infield of Churchill Downs.

A garland of roses, a blanket of 554 roses, is draped across the winning horse.

The Kentucky Derby Trophy is presented to the owner of the winning horse.