The History Of Spring Break

So we’ve all just returned from a week of rest and relaxation – the seniors from their 2-week trip around Europe, some from nearby or faraway countries, and others who may have rarely left the vicinity of their homes. Whether we return to NOVA energetic or weary, we all have stories to tell. But what about the history of spring break? Is it a real holiday, or just something we’ve created to “get away” from everything?

Spring Break, like many things in our world, originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans. Spring, often associated with rejuvenation and rebirth, brought with it lighthearted feelings and restless behavior in young people. As it was celebrated with reverence to Dionysus or Bacchus, the Greek and Roman gods of wine, the period of welcoming spring not only gave people a reason to celebrate, but also allowed young people to vent their feelings of restlessness. Thus, spring break was created. More direct responsibility for the creation of spring break, however, is because of Sam Ingram, a Colgate University swimming coach in the United States. The American swim coach brought his team to Fort Lauderdale in 1936 to train at the Casino Pool, the first Olympic-size swimming pool in Florida. By 1938, more than 300 swimmers competed in the College Coaches’ Swim Forum at the Casino Pool. Word spread of the tradition of college swimmers traveling to Florida well into the 1960’s, and TIME Magazine first highlighted spring break in April 1959 with the article “Beer & the Beach”. Two years later, the Fort Lauderdale-set film Where the Boys Are, spread the word of university men and women flocking to the shores of sunny Florida.

By the 1970’s, Fort Lauderdale had been nicknamed “Fort Liquordale.” Reckless acts such as balcony diving, in which drunk individuals would swing from balcony to balcony to get to other rooms, became a common activity to do for amusement. By the 1980’s, stricter laws were enforced against underage drinking. As a result, spring-breakers traveled further down south, to destinations outside the U.S., such as Mexico. Spring Break has been internationally recognized as stories range from underage drinking and partying to trips others claim they’ll never forget. Meanwhile, spring break is evolving as alternative trips include tutoring underprivileged children to rebuilding homes for Habitat for Humanity. Organizations such as Break Away, which helps colleges in the U.S. promote alternative break programs, has estimated that 65,000 college students will participate in this year’s break programs. Although it may be no wild party, it could be worth considering.