May Dip

On the 1st of May with the first light, all students run into the North Sea to wash away their academic sins. It is believed that this will bring them luck during their May exams. As the dawn is usually before or around 5 a.m., most students stay awake whole night celebrating on the beach with bonfires and booze, as it's Scotland and both the sea and the sand are terribly cold. Half of the town population is usually ill the week after.

Photographer:
barbora-von-kraml
Uploaded:
2016-07-19
Tags:
beach bonfire cold crazy dawn daybreak friends may may dip maydip morning north sea scotland sea sea swimming swimming tradition university
Camera:
Canon AE-1 Program
Film:
Kodak Color Plus 200 (35mm)
City:
St Andrews
Country/region:
United Kingdom
Albums:
St Andrews' traditions
More photos by barbora-von-kraml