Traditions

Each year in late March, first-year students from the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) create and parade an enormous dragon across campus. Accompanied by AAP students in costume and heckled by rivals from the College of Engineering, the dragon lumbers to the Arts Quad to be consumed by a symbolic bonfire. Formalized by AAP students in the 1950s, Dragon Day's roots are actually traced back to the antics of the architecture Class of 1901.

The heartbeat of campus life, the Cornell Chimes have been marking the hours and chiming concerts for more than a century. The original set of bells first rang out at the university's opening ceremonies October 7, 1868. The chimes continue to ring daily concerts, making it one of the largest and most frequently played set of chimes in the world.

Meet current students, alumni, faculty, and staff as you cheer on Cornell in the traditional homecoming football game. Recent homecoming events have included the Big Red Band, a firework and laser show, and a carnival.

The ultimate celebration of the last day of classes, Slope Day continues a century-long tradition as a year-end gathering. Live musical performances are the main feature of this Cornell community fete.

Big Red ice hockey at Lynah Rink is one of Cornell's most treasured spectator sports. Join the "Lynah Faithful," as they are known, and celebrate with the Cowbell cheer.