An Inside Look into Loyola's Bull and Oyster Roast

    


     Loyola University Maryland hosts a celebration that most outsiders wouldn’t know about: The Bull and Oyster Roast every fall. For Baltimore locals and members of the Loyola community, this event is more than a feast, it’s a cultural tradition ingrained in Maryland history. The Bull and Oyster Roast is an annual tradition celebrated for over 70 years. This event is held during Alumni Weekend and brings together alumni from all class years and the current senior class for an evening of Maryland culinary delights, live music, and dancing! Originally, the Bull & Oyster Roast was an alumni event exclusively for men of Loyola College. In the early 1990s, to renew the tradition and foster a stronger connection between current students and alumni, seniors were included in the festivities. This change transformed the event into an opportunity for alumni and seniors to gather and celebrate one of Loyola's most enduring traditions.

The Dance Floor!
    I attended the 75th Bull and Oyster Roast this past Saturday, February 8, 2025, in Reitz Arena within the Andrew White Student Center. The evening was a lot of fun and had a casino night where guests enjoyed games such as blackjack and other games. There was a live band, and my friends and I couldn’t resist dancing to the music! A Bull and Oyster Roast is a Maryland staple, blending the state's seafood heritage into a gathering. The menu showcased Maryland's culinary heritage, featuring pit beef carving stations, freshly shucked oysters, seafood chowder, and an array of traditional side dishes. This combination of flavors reflects the state's agricultural and seafood traditions, offering attendees an authentic local experience. Attending this event while blogging about Baltimore this semester has given me an appreciation for the traditions that don’t make it into travel guides. It’s one thing to read about Maryland’s seafood culture but another to stand next to alumni and talk about the best way to dress an oyster! 

My friends and me!
      The Bull & Oyster Roast is more than just a social gathering; it embodies the spirit of the Loyola community, honoring long-standing traditions while creating new memories for both alumni and current students. It's a true insider’s find, a hidden gem of local culture that incorporates the authenticity of Baltimore. 


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