Every college has its own special traditions: the big bonfire at Texas A&M, the Freshmen-Free Arches at the University of Georgia, the Primal Scream at Harvard. But does a little NESCAC college in Maine have traditions too? Of course. In fact, Bates has so pretty great traditions that you have to know about or you're just gonna feel left out. So here's our look at the top Bates traditions.

• Newman Day: By far, the most famous of all the Bates traditions. The concept is simple: drink 24 beers in 24 hours while continuing all your regular activities (classes, sports practices, etc.) Seeing people sneak Nalgenes full of beer into class is always entertaining. Take part in the action, or just stay sober and watch the show! Bates is one of only two colleges (the other being Princeton) to have such a tradition. There's some debate about whether the name alludes to Paul Newman's egg-eating contest in Cool-Hand Luke or a supposed quote by Newman: "24 beers in a pack, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I don't think so."
• Puddle Jump: Perhaps the second most famous of all the Bates traditions, though the popularity of this one has been waning as of late. Basically, in the middle of winter the Outing Club cuts a big hole in the frozen Puddle, and then you jump in (in your swimsuit, or in le buff.) Why? Because it's Maine, and we love the winter! This is on the list of things you must do before you graduate.
• Pub Crawl: You're a senior. You're about to graduate. How do you celebrate? You run from Lewiston bar to Lewiston bar, competing against other teams of seniors, of course! This tradition combines 2 important aspects of life at Bates: walking everywhere you go and drinking lots of beer.
• Winter Carnvial: A recent revival of the old tradition has brought the event back to life. Bates has held a winter carnival, (basically a big festival with lots of events, a theme, and an Olympic-style torch) for many many many years now. And though this tradition may not immediately leap to many Batesies' minds when they think of important Bates traditions, the Winter Carnival usually has good music and good times (especially last year.)