The traditional Spring Break is an entirely American tradition, a purge of pure hedonism before returning to student life. A tradition which has alcohol, music, sex and vigor at its core. “We really didn’t have many of those in our culture now, in modern America,” explains Keith McManus. “One of the things people might consider a rite of passage was this spring break thing. It’s not very profound as an activity, but… if that’s what you got, that’s what you do.”
In his collection, which he called Rite of Passage, McManus captures the fervor and ferocity of a bustling youth moment during one of the most decadent decades—the “me, me, me” 1980s. It’s a time capsule piece and works as a flash of the hyper-sexualized and electric scene McManus found himself surrounded by in Florida, the ever holy grail location of Spring Break parties.
Take a look back at the striking scenes at the Florida Spring Break in the 1980s through 16 fascinating vintage photographs taken by McManus:
(via Far Out)