As spring semester begins to hit its stride, Greeks across Alabama begin to note a change in the air. No, it’s not the plants and flowers blooming, nor is it the increasing workload from classes. It is the beginning of a new season.

Yes, spring comes about in March and April, but so does something else. A time of the year that requires its participants to be in peak physical and mental condition. 

This season, as we all lovingly refer to it, is Darty season. To many, Darty season is the highlight of the spring semester, a time in which we embrace warmer temperatures and colder drinks. Here are a few of the reasons why Darty season is the second most important athletic season at UA.

The Attire

Spring time is the time of year when all freshman have finally been initiated and are able to wear the letters they have spent months waiting for. For this reason, almost every Greek at Alabama is sporting some form of fraternity or sorority t-shirt. However, this means that in order to stand out, one must invest in something out of the norm. For many, this means a trip down to either Pluto’s closet, or America’s Thrift Shop, in the hopes that there is that one article of clothing that stands out among the rest. In accordance, Alabama students have embraced an eclectic and unique style: you are just as likely to see a tie-dye Grateful Dead shirt next to a Merle Haggard concert shirt along with an obnoxiously colored Hawaiian shirt, or even the obscure Jacksonville Suns jersey.

The Themes

Almost every spring rush party has an over-arching theme. They vary from Sigma Nu’s Shipwreck, Phi Gam’s Fiji Island, SAE’s Woodstock or Phi’s very own Hell’s Angels. No matter which party you attend, you are bound to run into various upstanding, well raised young men dressed as if they were hippies, bikers, beach bums, all most likely carrying themselves in a manner better left at a NASCAR race. The themes are not only limited to the actives of the house you are at, girls are often encouraged to match the theme, which only adds to the excitement and fun of spring Darties.

The Festivities

Darties are unique unto themselves for the aforementioned reasons, however, one cannot forget the aspects of each Darty that make them as much fun as they are. For starters, live bands are present at almost every Darty, and with bands varying in genre from cover bands to jam bands to rock, there is almost certainly one to fit every kind of musical taste. Another plus for Darties is the fact that they are usually held outside in the front yard. Because of this, the one friend in the group who seems to be a regular at DCH will probably be able to take the weekend off. Also, the various drinking games that often make an appearance are some of the most fun parts. There’s nothing quite like seeing an alumni or parent come back into town and try to play a game of dizzy bat...only to whiff and end up face down on the ground as a result. Then, there is usually food provided. Whether it be crawfish or BBQ, anything that can fuel the part of you saying, “Well, one more drink won’t kill me,” is recommended during Darty season. Though, I would be remiss to forget the spectacle of the one guy who puts it upon himself to climb the stage to the band and belt out a hardy “Roll Tide,” or give various shout outs to anyone who will listen.

All in all, Darties are some of the most physically draining and trying days of the year, though they are almost certainly the best memories of the spring semester. Whether it's the actives sporting clothes that normally would be frowned upon in society, the themes that get everyone excited and make each Darty unique, or the different activities and festivities to enjoy, Darty season is hands down the second most important season at UA...besides watching The Tide roll every Saturday in the Fall.