Cornelliana Colors of the Wind: Dragon Day Beast Gets an Artistic Twist Stories You May Like Commencement in Pictures: Celebrating the Class of 2023 Hotelie’s Granola Goes from Dorm Delicacy to Grocery Staple Project Chronicles Experiences of Alums of Asian Descent This year, the architects' traditional creation was a blank canvas for a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues By Beth Saulnier As always, the annual Dragon Day festivities were a highlight of spring on the Hill—from the creative costumes to the symbolic battle with the engineers' phoenix to the parade through Central Campus amid deafening shouts of "Dragon! Dragon! Dragon! Oi! Oi! Oi!" But this year, the first-year architects who designed the beast took an unusual (though not unprecedented) approach: the minimalist dragon comprised sections of plain fabric stretched across a spare frame. It wasn't until it reached its final destination on the Arts Quad that its true nature was revealed. There, to the delight of the crowd, the crew of architects hurled cups of powdered paint in eye-popping shades toward the guest of honor. The clouds of color transformed the mighty dragon into a jolly, rainbow-hued beast—clad in hues reminiscent of another beloved mythical creature, the Easter Bunny. Scroll down for a photographic tribute to the 2025 edition of Cornell's beloved rite of spring! First-year architects propel the beast through campus. Crowds accompany the parade as it starts down Feeney Way. Sporting thematic face paint. Touchdown works the crowd. The dragon turns from Feeney Way onto Campus Road. Marching in café-themed costume. President Mike Kotlikoff speaks to the camera. Stories You May Like Commencement in Pictures: Celebrating the Class of 2023 Hotelie’s Granola Goes from Dorm Delicacy to Grocery Staple Phoenix awaits dragon (with support from Touchdown and some costumed revelers). Dragon and phoenix face off! Big Red rhythms outside Goldwin Smith. A blast of color! A canine observer wonders why humans are so odd (while being grateful for the tail hole in its overalls). One ecstatic architect, among many. The dragon crew huddles post-painting. Paint-stained, but happy. Oi, dragon: what big teeth you have! All photos in this story by Cornell University photographers Alex Bayer, Devin Flores, Noël Heaney, Sreang Hok, Jason Koski, and Ryan Young. Published April 1, 2025 Comments Barron Stallman, Class of 1958 3 Apr, 2025 Well done! Reply Barron Stallman, Class of 1958 3 Apr, 2025 Looks like everyone had a great time! Reply Pat Greene Bates 5 Apr, 2025 Great pictures brought back great memories! Reply Laszlo Kiss, Class of 1980 7 Apr, 2025 Yet another is a grand dragon in the long tradition of dragons. Well done!!! Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Alumni Influencer Justine Doiron ’16 Cooks Up Healthy Comfort Food Alumni Cheer for These Cornellian Athletes at the Paris Olympics Ask the Expert What’s Up with Pickleball?