Fire-breathing fun: A look at Cornell University’s Dragon Day tradition

Cornell University’s annual Dragon Day is a fiery tradition where architecture students design and parade a massive dragon, facing off against engineering students’ rival creations. Originating in the 1900s, it symbolizes creativity, rivalry, and class pride. Over the years, it has grown into a spirited campus event, even incorporating political messages and adapting to challenges like the pandemic.

​Cornell University’s annual Dragon Day is a fiery tradition where architecture students design and parade a massive dragon, facing off against engineering students’ rival creations. Originating in the 1900s, it symbolizes creativity, rivalry, and class pride. Over the years, it has grown into a spirited campus event, even incorporating political messages and adapting to challenges like the pandemic. Cornell University’s annual Dragon Day is a fiery tradition where architecture students design and parade a massive dragon, facing off against engineering students’ rival creations. Originating in the 1900s, it symbolizes creativity, rivalry, and class pride. Over the years, it has grown into a spirited campus event, even incorporating political messages and adapting to challenges like the pandemic.