I have been very blessed to be well-versed in various cultures and subcultures. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, I lived in a melting pot and didn’t realize how privileged I was until I moved to an area with a very prevalent culture and fewer subcultures represented. When I say "culture," there are various meanings: the obvious geographical cultures and traditions, but also the fascinating world of subcultures. Think of skating, rodeo, yoga, athletics, painting, camping, horse racing, hip-hop dancing, golfing, metalheads, scuba diving, photography, bigfoot enthusiasts—the list goes on! You can learn and observe so much just by being open-minded and willing to jump in and explore different subcultures.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby. It is truly an experience and a subculture I know relatively nothing about, yet I appreciate all the talent, time, and traditions behind it. It’s an experience to experience in person because it’s so hard to explain how unique it really is. Some people may be opposed to horse racing, but to actually witness these horses in person and the raw power of the animals, you can see why people are so drawn to it! These magnificent creatures are truly inspiring; it's unbelievable to witness their speed and strength. I had an absolute rush of adrenaline photographing the horses launching from the starting gate and flying past me. My heart raced with the stomping and pounding of the horses running through the mud at full speed. It was an extreme thrill! I now understand why they call it the "fastest two minutes in sports."

But the Kentucky Derby wasn't just about the thrill of the horses; it was also about the fashion and traditions. The classic cocktails of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, the tradition of dressing in pink for the fillies racing on Kentucky Oaks day to show support for women’s breast cancer (the day the female horses race). Then, the main event on Saturday, the Kentucky Derby! I wore red to align with the traditional red roses and Derby theme. It was amazing to see all the art and design that goes into putting on the event. The vendors, the venue—everything was absolutely amazing and a wonderful experience for someone who is typically more drawn to the outdoors and less to crowds. Speaking of crowds… THE OUTFITS WERE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I loved seeing the pastels, the bold fashion choices, and especially the hats! As a creative and lover of design, my favorite part was obviously seeing all the gorgeous wearable art. I bought my hats from an emerging local artist and another from a local designer.

The Derby culture is a unique experience. It was fun to dress up! I enjoyed complimenting others' outfits and high-fiving people who won big betting on horses. I let the crowd's energy amp me up and enjoyed witnessing this way of life. Now, I wouldn’t say it’s a lifestyle I would strive for myself, but I definitely enjoyed playing the part for the weekend and learning more about their culture and the immense talent involved in putting on the event. Next, the Masters! 🤞🏼 But for now, I’m cozy in a hoodie planning my next adventure to Colorado. Stay tuned.

Peace & Love,
Erica of Calming Captures 💜

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