Champagne, strawberries, and formal wear at dawn might not seem like the most standard way to start a day, but tradition trumps practicality for Lowell House residents every year on the first of May.

Early yesterday morning, a few dozen tuxedo- and gown-clad Lowell students congregated for the house’s annual May Day Waltz.

For over 30 years, according to participants, Lowellians have gathered at 6 a.m. on Weeks Footbridge to watch local residents mark the festivities along the banks of the Charles River.

House Committee Chairs Julia M. Chandler ’07 and Jonathan V. Brewer ’07 said they were pleasantly surprised with this year’s turnout, after bad weather last year marred participation.

“It’s sort of a joint effort between the house committee and the house masters,” said Chandler. “But it’s also a force bigger than us. We didn’t even have to do much publicity this year—people just assume it’s going to happen, and they show up.”

Students said they were excited to participate in this year’s Waltz.

“I didn’t attend the Waltz last year, as the weather was poor. And next year I’ll be abroad, so I decided this was my year.” Denise L. Delaney ’08 said. “I had a glass of champagne and danced with a blockmate, so all in all, it’s been a good morning.”

Along the river in front of Leverett House, a group of Cantabrigians known as Morris dancers gathered in flowing cloaks and flowered hats, celebrating the rebirth of spring.

According to Vonnie Powell, an 11-year veteran of the Cambridge’s May Day festivities, the event represents many different things to different people.

“Some people here are pagans, and for them this is a religious ceremony,” Powell said. “Some are folkies, and for them it’s a folk celebration. Some are Morris dancers here for a performance, and some people just come to watch.”

Morris dancers traditionally perform a type of folk dance thought to be unique to England.

Powell added that it is considered good luck to shake the hand of a Morris dancer on May Day morning.

Perhaps in anticipation of upcoming final exams, Harvard students formed a receiving line on the bike path along the river to greet the dancers when they were done.

In addition to the adult Morris dancers, similarly flower-laden children and dogs celebrated, many also attracting the attention of undergraduates.

Also according to Powell, the event, which has its origins in England, has been put on here in Cambridge for the past 30 years by a group known as the Newtowne Morrismen.