Cannon Green (Princeton University's Orange Key Tour)

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Cannon Green with Emma '21

First-years walking through FtizRandolph gate for the Pre-rade.

Traditions

👥 Traditions

Like most schools, Princeton has fun campus traditions that allow us to come together as a community.

Pre-Rade

The Pre-rade takes place during your first-year orientation. At this point, students have just been welcomed to the University and now must officially be welcomed into the school by entering through the middle FitzRandolph Gate. The class files through the gate together for the first time and is welcomed to the University by their peers and administrators.

After Commencement in early June, graduating seniors walk out through FitzRandolph Gate, a symbolic gesture of entering into the “real world."

Dean's Date

“Dean’s Date” has long represented the last day for undergraduate students to turn in written coursework. For more than a decade, the date has been celebrated by undergraduates who celebrate in different campus courtyards to cheer on their fellow students. The University provides free food, and the Princeton University Band provides the tunes.

The Bonfire

The Bonfire is a tradition held on Cannon Green that follows after a "Big Three" football championship (where Princeton beats both Harvard and Yale). After the win, flammable objects are gathered on Cannon Green and students can write messages on them as the pile grows. After several speeches from the team and the Student Government and the University, the now very large pile is lit on fire and is an incredible sight to see.

Reunions

Every year before graduation, Princeton hosts its massive alumni Reunions. This University-wide celebration is the largest reunions in the country; welcoming back 25,000-35,000 alumni to campus each year.

Cannon Green