Head of the Charles Regatta, Cambridge, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR), first held in 1965 in Boston/Cambridge, is the world’s largest two-day rowing event. “Head” races are a class of regattas generally three miles in length. Boats compete against one another and the clock, which starts sequentially, approximately fifteen seconds apart. Winners of each race receive the honorary title “Head of the River” or, in this case, “Head Of The Charles.” (Source: HOCR)



Over the past 51 years, the Head Of The Charles Regatta has grown through its success. Today, more than 11,000 rowers in more than 2,000 boats from 750 different organizations around the world representing 28 nations compete in 57 different race events. (Source: HOCR)



In 1997, the Regatta grew to a two-day event and now attracts up to 400,000 spectators during race weekend in October. Support from numerous boat clubs, colleges and universities, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), as well as 1,700 hardworking volunteers help make the Regatta a continued success year after year. (Source: HOCR)



The largest boats have eight rowers and one coxswain to oversee the coordinated effort.



It was a beautiful fall day this year, especially when compared to the rain, wind, and cold last year.



Some of the local universities enjoy the luxury of waterside boat houses to store their shells.......



...while out-of-towners must haul the ungainly vessels and all the supporting equipment as well - and a big truck pulling a big trailer is the best way to do it.



And somebody must painstakingly assemble all the parts into a functioning and competitive ship.



Some teams have been at this a long time over the history of the race.



And spectators by the tens of thousands lined the bridges and shorelines to cheer on their favorite competitors.



With so many teams and athletes, there was always something happening of interest on the river.



It was a spectacularly perfect fall day in Boston this year to hold the event.



Some of the buildings of the Harvard University campus are in the background in this view.



It wasn't just humans hanging out on the bridge watching either.



Knowing how popular this event, I took public transportation, the Red Line subway from Braintree into Harvard Square, and walked down to the Charles River. It's a great way to attend this event - no worrying about parking, no fuss, no muss, no stress - sit still and watch the humanity show as riders step on and step off the train cars.

Note: this event occurred in late October but I managed to overlook editing the images into a blog post until now.

"Cambridge Carnival International Festival," Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

I had a great time recently at this annual festival in Cambridge. I took the Redline "T" from Braintree to Kendall, walked the parade route to Central and, after the parade, rode the "T" back from Central. A smooth, and efficient plan to avoid driving and parking in busy Cambridge. Photographically, I chose this area along the route because I liked the trees and the background near Central Kitchen and the sun angle was pretty good along that stretch. I was not alone - lots of photographers out and about.

"Cambridge Carnival is a colorful and festive celebration rooted in African traditions. This free festival is celebrating 25 years this year and is considered a Cambridge Institution, and is the largest festival in Cambridge with thousands of attendees. The highlight of the festival is a grand costume parade accompanied by rich rhythmic musicality promoting all types of cultures. Participants can be seen as revelers masquerading through the streets in dazzling handmade costumes, dancing to the beat of the Carnival. The festival is also an opportunity to celebrate Cambridge’s diversity, enjoy international foods, and purchase multicultural crafts from around the world! (Source: Cambridge Carnival.org)

(Click on an image for a higher resolution version if your device supports that action).



This man led the parade, crackin' a bullwhip. I'm not sure why.



He was followed by Miss Carnival.



Then along came a great marching band to get things going musically.



This was a random friendly dude interacting with the roadside crowd. Not sure if he was part of the event or made himself part of the event. In any case, it doesn't matter.  The truck behind him was common - perhaps I saw 10 or more throughout the event - with portable speakers, musicians, percussionists, DJ's, whatever - all blaring Carnival music at unbelievably high volumes.  They would have drowned out jet airplanes during takeoff even if I was standing by the runway! Throbbing bass you could feel in your bones. I love it. Fill me with loud music.  I may be getting old but I'm not done yet.



But these are what we came for - beautiful artwork costumes! The winds were lighter this year than last so it was easier for the people to maneuver in the streets - the tripod base on wheels helps, too, for those that have them.











No wheels.



No wheels.







Random people in the crowd.







Seems maybe to be a family affair for this group - but I'm just guessing.



Looks like a heavy burden to carry but still, this youngster was all smiles.



I think I'd prefer the wheeled versions if I was marching.















I always enjoy this event - happy people, beautiful colors and costumes, loud music, nice weather - a great combination.



This restaurant along the route had an incredibly fitting marquee that looked like a parade participant.



This restaurateur was serving Indian street food along the route........

......and here, other cooked food was available from a vendor tent......



...and you could wash it down with yummy fruit drinks.

I had a few extra minutes waiting for the parade to begin so I headed over to Graffiti Alley near Central Square - always interesting. This artist was quite happy and willing to share information about her art and the whole alley concept.

It was a perfect summer day again in the Boston area!  Seems like we have had more than our normal share this summer - I'll take it gladly!

Boston Dragon Boat Festival, Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Recently, I enjoyed the Boston Dragon Boat Festival which happens annually (since 1979) on the Charles River in both Cambridge and Boston near the Weeks Footbridge. It wasn't just about boat racing, though, as evidenced by the dragon dance above.



Harvard University buildings in the background frame the finish line area.



The prow of one of the boats.



On the Boston side of the Charles River, the crew staging area is bustling with activity in preparation for a race.

Add together the race teams, support crew, and general public, and the Boston side was crowded with people.



On the Cambridge side, Memorial Drive was closed and taken over by a small army of food trucks to serve the hungry midday crowd lunch and snacks.



Here, the colorful dragon dances its way to the opening ceremony under the main tent.















Here, a Taichi demonstration takes place beside the river.











The Boston Beijing Opera Association also provided a demonstration.....



....complete with an accompanying traditional orchestra.







Nice visuals on the Harvard campus as I walked my way back to the Harvard Square subway station.



I find that anytime an event occurs in Cambridge, it is best to take the subway rather than fight traffic and the challenge/expense of parking.

Waiting for the next train, this sign caught my attention. Good name for a band?