The History of Spring Break
Spring break is a period of time when students take a break from their studies to relax and have fun. It is typically celebrated in the United States and Canada, and sometimes in other countries. Spring break dates vary depending on the school or university, but it is usually held in late March or early April.
Usually, the break lasts for a total of nine days, technically starting on a weekend, through the five-day school week, and ending on the following Sunday. Some schools only have half-days on Friday into the weekend, while others maintain their normal instructional hours. Regardless, this isn’t exactly an ancient tradition. In fact, it’s quite contemporary.
The History of Spring Break: How it All Began
The history of spring break can be traced back to the 1930s when a swimming coach from Colgate University in Madison County, New York, took his team down to Florida for some early training. The idea of spring break caught on with other college swim teams, and soon it became an annual tradition for swimmers nationwide.
In the 1950s, spring break evolved into a more recreational activity. College students started to travel to popular tourist destinations like Florida and Mexico to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Spring break also became a time for partying and drinking, and many towns and cities began to capitalize on this by offering special deals and promotions.
In the 1960s, spring break became even more popular, thanks to the release of the movie “Where the Boys Are.” The movie, which is about a group of college students who go on a spring break vacation, became a cultural phenomenon and helped to popularize the idea of spring break as a time for fun and excitement.
Most Popular Spring Break Activities
Today, spring break is a significant economic driver in many parts of the country. Towns and cities that are popular spring break destinations often see a significant increase in tourism during this time of year. Spring break is also a popular time for businesses to offer discounts and promotions. The most popular activities during spring break include:
- Beaching: Students often spend their days relaxing on the beach, swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand.
- Partying: Spring break is also a time for partying and drinking. Many students attend nightclubs and bars, and there are often special events and parties held during this time of year.
- Traveling: Some students use spring break as an opportunity to travel. They may visit popular tourist destinations, such as Cancun, Mexico, or Miami, Florida. They may also travel to other countries, such as Europe or Asia.
- Volunteering: Some students use spring break as an opportunity to volunteer. They may work with local organizations to help with community service projects, such as cleaning up beaches or working with homeless shelters.
- Taking a break: Some students use spring break as an opportunity to take a break from their studies. They may use the time to relax, catch up on sleep, or read a book.
Spring break is a time for students to relax, have fun, and make memories. But, it is also a time for businesses to make money and for towns and cities to attract tourists – particularly in warm climates, such as Florida and especially destinations where beaches are prominent features.
