Traditions

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Last Updated: November 26, 5:01pm

When you arrive on campus, you'll discover Harvard College’s many unique traditions. Some are as old as the College and others are much more recent—but they all play an important role in the life of Harvard College students. Through experiences such as Housing Day, YardFest, and the First-Year Formal, students are immersed in the rich history of the College and experience how it informs campus life today.

The Game

Since 1875, the Harvard Crimson and the Yale Bulldogs have faced off in an event simply known as "The Game." It's more than just a football game—this is a rivalry that stays with Harvard students throughout their lives.

Learn more about The Game

Arts

At Harvard, students are encouraged to explore their interests and embrace the subjects they are passionate about. The College has many traditions and festivities that celebrate the arts and the diverse communities that foster them. Every spring, the college hosts traditional concerts, festivals, and performances that allow students to discover and enjoy the varying art forms that the Harvard Community has to offer.

Each year, the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations hosts the Cultural Rhythms Festival, a weeklong celebration of the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the Harvard College student body. This annual festival includes activities such as peer-led dialogues, social events with cultural student organizations, and the Food Festival which showcases cultural cuisines from 20 cultural affinity-based student organizations. The events will lead up to the Cultural Rhythms Show at Sanders Theatre which showcases ten student performers. At this event, the Harvard Foundation also presents its Artist of the Year award. Past recipients have included Issa Rae, Lady Gaga, Viola Davis, and Shakira.
The ARTS FIRST Festival, produced by the Office for the Arts, is Harvard’s annual campus-wide celebration of artmaking and community. The four-day event features the creativity of students, faculty, staff, alumni and affiliates on 10 indoor and outdoor stages, many museums and other spaces throughout campus. Supported by the Board of Overseers of Harvard University, the festival offers opportunities for students and others to perform, volunteer and participate in the rich curricular and extracurricular arts scene at Harvard. You don’t have to be an artist to be part of ARTS FIRST! Whether you're interested in opera or stand-up, public art or poetry, arts administration or audience experience, or looking to get connected with classmates in a fun setting, you'll find something inspiring at this multifaceted festival that is free and open to all ages. Sign up for the OFA e-newsletter to watch for announcements and deadlines. See you at ARTS FIRST!

Global Day of Service

During the First-Year Global Day of Service, students learn about the important role service plays in the Harvard experience.

Global Day of Service

Houses

Each Harvard house enjoys its own unique traditions. And while these activities are steeped in history, new traditions are regularly introduced and adopted. From the annual celebration of International Polar Bear Day at Pforzheimer House (in which, among other things, they "adopt" a real polar bear in the wild) to the much-anticipated Lowell Tea, students enthusiastically embrace their House traditions.

Housing Day

The week before Spring Break, first-years learn their housing assignments for following years. One of the most notable traditions at Harvard, Housing Day is sure to be a highlight of your first-year experience.

Visitas

Each year, Harvard admitted students are invited to come spend a few days on campus. During Visitas, admitted students stay in first-year dorms and eat in the dining halls. They also take part in events, attend classes, and meet others who are considering Harvard. Visitas is a great way to experience life at Harvard.

Commencement

Dating back to September 1642 with the graduation of just nine seniors, Commencement is Harvard's oldest tradition. Following senior week (just after finals), Commencement week begins with a myriad of special events, concluding with Commencement itself, which is typically hosted on the fourth Thursday of May. The morning exercises of Commencement in Harvard Yard bring in degree candidates from across all Harvard’s schools. Following this, the graduates and their guests adjourn to their Houses and Schools for the diploma ceremonies.