Every year, homecoming week ends with fun, hurricanes coming together as a family and tradition at Hurricane Howl. This year was no different. Festivities began with the homecoming parade where some student organizations paraded their floats while others performed for the judges, including alumnus and Miami Heat player James Jones as this year’s Grand Marshall. Food trucks also lined Stanford Drive for students to enjoy (and use their $5 vouchers, courtesy of the Homecoming Committee). Alumni had their own food and festivities in “Alumni Lane” in the Eaton Residential College parking lot.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni, however, all gathered together to watch one of the biggest homecoming traditions at the U: the burning of the boat. As tradition states, if the mast falls before the boat sinks, the Miami Hurricanes will win the homecoming game which, this year, is against the Virginia Tech Hokies. After listening to a speech by Grand Marshall James Jones, everyone sang the Alma Mater, and the boat was set on fire. The mast fell before the boat sank, so Hurricane fans are looking forward to a win tonight against VT. The night ended with a fantastic fireworks display, a great ending for the homecoming festivities.

Check out photos of the night’s events below and don’t forget to support our ‘Canes as they take on the Hokies tonight at 7pm!

words and photos_raquel zaldivar.