Harvard Students Undress to Destress in Primal Scream Run

With finals looming, students commemorated the end of reading period by running through Harvard Yard free of stress — and clothes — for Primal Scream at midnight on Wednesday.

Shortly before midnight, more than 400 students gathered at the starting line in front of Hollis Hall before baring it all in the biannual tradition. Primal Scream — the tradition of students streaking through the Yard the night before the start of final exams — has not always been so naked.

When the event first began, it emphasized the “Scream” and involved students yelling at the top of their lungs through their windows to release stress. It wasn’t until the 1990s when students began to release their clothing too as part of this time-honored tradition.

This semester’s Primal Scream marked a return to normalcy after the spring event took place amid the pro-Palestine encampment in the Yard. In addition to having an unusually captive audience, the previous rendition of Primal Scream noticeably lacked the Harvard University Band, a regular attendant of the event.

This year, the Harvard University Band returned to their normal location during Primal Scream, playing music in front of the John Harvard statue as the students ran throughout the Yard.

Joseph C. Mariani ’28 said he was excited to participate in his first Primal Scream shortly before running the lap.

“I think it’s a great tradition,” he said. “It just emphasizes college, having fun with your friends, and destressing before exams.”

Styves B. Miranda ’28, another Primal Scream participant, affirmed that the tradition would help him relieve stress before his final the next morning.

“I have a final tomorrow,” he said. “I need to let it out.”

In an interview after participating in Primal Scream, Jonathan D. Westcott ’28 described the experience as “very invigorating.”

The chilly weather, accompanied by some light fog and drizzles just before midnight, dissuaded several students from participating in the age-old tradition.

Tyler J.H. Dang ’28, who was walking through the Yard shortly before midnight, said that the weather was not suitable for a naked run.

“It’s too damn cold out here,” Dang said.

Joaquin de Castro ’28, another non-participant, also cited the cold for not participating in the Harvard tradition.

“It seems impractical to do it for all intents and purposes,” de Castro said.”

However, some Primal Scream participants said that they did not mind a little rain.

“It’s perfect,” Westcott said. “A little bit chilly.”

Despite not participating in Primal Scream, Dang said he still appreciated the sentiment behind the tradition.

“I respect people that want to let loose after reading period,” he said. “I respect the people that participate, and I respect their self confidence in their body positivity.”

—Staff writer Hiral M. Chavre can be reached at hiral.chavre@thecrimson.com.

—Staff writer Samuel A. Church can be reached at samuel.church@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @samuelachurch.