The AFL Grand Final Friday, popularly known as the 'Friday before the AFL Grand Final', is an annual public holiday in Australia, specifically within the state of Victoria (VIC). This cherished holiday is part of a weekend celebration leading up to the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, which is arguably the most anticipated and significant sporting event in the country. The Grand Final match itself is usually held on the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October.
Each year during the AFL Grand Final Friday, the city of Melbourne and indeed the whole state of Victoria comes alive with excitement and anticipation for the big game. Several community events, family activities, live performances and a street parade featuring the competing teams usually mark the day. It is a day when football supporters sport their team colors, families and friends gather for backyard barbecues and picnics, and scores of locals and visitors alike throng the city streets creating a festive atmosphere.
The holiday is not without its controversy. The announcement in 2015 by the state government that a public holiday would be introduced for the AFL Grand Final Friday was met with mixed reviews. While football enthusiasts applauded the decision, enabling them to fully indulge in the important footy festivity, others, especially business owners, were less enthusiastic, citing concerns over the cost of additional holiday pay for their employees. Regardless of differing opinions, the AFL Grand Final Friday continues to bring together classes, generations, and cultures in a celebration of Australia's beloved sport.