Homecoming celebrations have long been a global tradition in high schools, colleges, and churches. Homecoming encompasses multiple days-long events celebrating the culture of each university as well as its subcommunities.
Originating as college alumni football games held during the early 1900s, modern homecoming events can be traced to Missouri, Baylor, and Illinois universities, respectively – each claiming they started it!
It’s a week-long celebration.
Homecoming is an invaluable opportunity for students of HBCUs to connect with the culture of their schools. Students can bond with classmates while rooting on their team during spirit week events that are fun, chaotic, and chaotic – in all the best possible ways! Homecoming also allows alumni to reconnect with old friends while seeing how the institution has changed since their time spent there.
Homecoming activities vary based on each school but generally include a parade featuring bands and cheerleaders, events for students and alumni, and the homecoming football game on Friday night – usually attended by thousands. At this event, the crowning of queen and king occurs (usually by student vote); sometimes, teachers or other royal representatives fill these positions instead.
Many schools also host pep rallies or similar events to build excitement for the Homecoming football game and dance, often themed and featuring costume mascots that get crowds cheering, promote school traditions, and help students get excited for college! These mascots are great ways to build school pride and prepare students for this upcoming homecoming game and dance!
Glow-in-the-dark homecoming parades are another fun activity that can help bring communities closer. Students and alumni can decorate cars with lights for this festive procession and simultaneously host blood drives to save lives!
Girls may exchange homecoming mums with their dates as a symbol of love and affection; boys typically wear garters that coordinate with the color of the girl’s mum. Homecoming mums represent affection, love, and longevity – an annual event at schools throughout Texas since at least 1900!
It’s a football game.
Homecoming is a time for high schools and colleges to celebrate their shared culture and history through various events such as parades and football games, with the main celebration usually occurring on either Friday or Saturday evenings. At these dances, which typically feature DJ music as the centerpiece of entertainment, all grades and years can come together and dance the night away – it provides students with an excellent way of socializing while making lasting connections between alumni and the university.
Many homecoming celebrations feature a parade led by the grand marshal and featuring the school marching band, class and club floats, most sports teams participating, homecoming court riding together on convertible, and civic organizations and businesses joining.
Homecoming week provides students with opportunities for students and alumni alike to participate in special dress-up days based on themes. Such days could include 1980s Day, Toga Day, Nerd Day, or Pirate Day, with some schools even hosting “True T-Bird Day,” where alumni show their love of their university by wearing spirit gear during this day.
Homecoming weeks typically feature parades, dances, and pep rallies to boost school spirit and encourage the football team. These rallies naturally occur days before game day, with marching bands and cheerleaders performing. At halftime shows, alumni bands may also join current ones for performances.
Some schools also host bonfires as part of their Homecoming festivities. However, this has become less prevalent due to accidents like Texas A&M’s 40-foot pile of logs collapsing and killing 12 people in 1999. Although schools no longer hold bonfires, many still host individual traditions as part of Homecoming celebrations.
It’s a dance.
Homecoming is an annual event highlighting everything that makes each school unique, providing people of all ages an opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances and honor traditions that make a place feel like home. Even though some practices might seem silly or excessive, homecoming should always be celebrated enthusiastically; the most popular events include football games, parades, dances and the crowning of the homecoming queen and king.
Homecoming dates may seem ideal for students to spend evenings, but they are overrated at Homecoming. After all, friends make the night worthwhile – instead, it would be best if freshmen went with groups of their classmates rather than dates to mingle among classmates while avoiding teachers and administrators they don’t wish to see!
Homecoming Week’s main event, the dance, typically held on a Friday or Saturday evening and open to students of all grades and grades (dance can also feature DJ music), provides an ideal way to meet other people on campus while celebrating campus life and culture. Homecoming dances offer the perfect way to form bonds among classmates while having a blast!
Many high schools and colleges host unique homecoming versions, yet most adhere to similar traditions. Homecoming celebrations usually start in the fall and run through the weekend. At its center lies the homecoming football game, parades, and other festivities.
Popular homecoming activities include dances, homecoming queen contests, and parades. Homecoming celebrations often use this event to honor alumni. Homecoming first began as an institution-wide tradition at colleges; students would visit their alma maters to visit. While its origin remains uncertain, its practice quickly spread into high schools nationwide.
Students typically gather before dances at someone’s house for pictures and refreshments, including food brought by all. Girls usually make or purchase their mums to wear to the prom, while boys typically purchase garters that match them.
It’s a reunion.
Homecoming is an annual tradition in many high schools and universities that brings back alumni and current students together to celebrate a shared culture. It consists of several events throughout a week-long festival – usually in autumn – including parades and football games to bring alumni back home for a reunion. Though seemingly trivial at first glance, Homecoming plays an integral role in maintaining tradition at these institutions.
Homecoming can also be an intimate date night for some students, providing couples the perfect chance to discover common interests and create lifelong memories. Teams may attend together, take in the dance and have dinner before heading home if the school requires formal attire, such as dresses for girls and suits/ties for boys.
Students also enjoy engaging in pep rallies and parades during Homecoming week to rev up enthusiasm for upcoming football matches and show school pride. Events usually feature the school band performing music, cheerleaders performing stunts and cheering, speakers sharing school pride messages, and even DJs who help keep the energy going all evening long!
Most schools select a Homecoming Queen and King through nominations and votes from the student body, then crown them at the end of the week with various duties, including attending homecoming events and parades and possibly making appearances at football games.
Students attending homecoming games typically bring food and drinks for themselves and their friends and families to share during the game. Some set up tents in parking lots or fields nearby the stadium to cook and socialize, while others buy tickets to watch from the stands. Pizza, chicken wings, and candy are popular food choices at these games, while some students may also bring along blankets or pillows to use during their time at the game.