A Totally Short History of Spring Break ⁰

 

Spring Break History: Once Upon a Time…

Don’t worry; this isn’t a boring Spring Break history lesson. We know you have enough classes, lectures and assignments already – this is nowhere near as lame. To appreciate the party fully, it’s important you know where it all began…

600 AD 

Depending how far you want to go back, you could argue that Spring Break all started with the ancient Greeks and Romans. Those guys knew how to party! Let’s face it… what’s more comfortable than wearing togas all day? Historically, the arrival of Spring (the season of fertility) was celebrated by honoring the gods of wine; Dionysus and Bacchus. So you know there were some EPIC ancient hangovers!

But it might be more appropriate show your appreciation by raising your shot glass to a swimming coach from Colgate University, NY.

1936

Sam Ingram takes his swimming team to Fort Lauderdale Florida for a training session.

1938 – mid 60’s

Ft. Lauderdale recognizes a marketing opportunity to encourage swimmers to return each year. The tradition of the ‘College Coaches’ Swim Forum’ is born.

1959

TIME Magazine releases an article titled “Beer & the Beach” (“It’s not that we drink so much,” noted one attendee, “it’s that we drink all the time.”).

1961

The first Spring Break themed movie is released called “Where the Boys Are” starring George Hamilton.

1970’s

Thanks to a shift in people’s attitudes during the seventies, the Spring Break you’d recognize today begins to form; it’s all about drinking, and getting your groove on…

1985

Hollywood’s second Spring-Break-themed movie is released, and is ingeniously named “Spring Break”.

1986

MTV launches its very first Spring Break special from Daytona Beach, Florida.

1989

The town that had become known as “Fort Liquordale” started to enforce stricter laws against public drinking. The mayor goes on ABC’s Good Morning America to tell students they are no longer welcome.

1991

“Break Away” forms out of a program at Vanderbilt University offering students alternative Spring Break experiences – including volunteer works based around varying social issues. Perfect for anyone who hates to party and have a good time

1990’s

New destinations begin to reach out to the Spring Break crowd, including South Padre Island in Texas and Palm Springs in California. Even international destinations, such as Cancun, Acapulco, and the Bahamas begin to promote themselves as Spring Break destinations.

2000

MTV makes Panama City Beach FL the official home to Spring Break for the first time.

2001

MTV returns to the home of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches following a hugely successful 2000.

2005

The third time MTV makes Panama City Beach home – adding its reputation of being the “Spring Break capital of the World”.

2008

MTV returns to Panama City Fl for the third time. Complete with live performances from 50 Cent, LL Cool J, DJ Skribble, Paramore, and more.

2011

Panama City Beach Fl continues to build on its reputation as the undisputed Spring Break capital of the World by hosting the largest volume of Spring Breakers to date, with the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort continuing to lead the way.

 

The popularity of Panama City Beach as a Spring Break destination is expected to grow in 2012.