Massachusetts is a unique state with plenty of fun and somewhat bizarre traditions. We love to celebrate in unusual ways and take our local cuisine very seriously. Here are a few traditions that you’ll totally relate to if you’re from Massachusetts.

1. Shoveling your driveway during a snowstorm.
Flickr/Mark's Postcards
We know that the snow can fall so thick and so fast here that life is much easier in the morning if you clear off your driveway while the white stuff is still coming. That way, you won’t break your back trying to get out for work in the next day.
2. Sliding the cranberry sauce out of the can during the holidays.
Flickr/Matthew Reid
We here in Massachusetts love a slimy, canned cranberry sauce. And it has to be Ocean Spray, of course.
3. Getting to the beach early on Fourth of July.
Flickr/Eyesplash
Even if it’s not warm and sunny. How else can you claim the absolute best place to watch the fireworks?
4. We prefer to cook outside during the summer.
Flickr/Kevin Marsh
Whether you’re staging a full-scale clam or lobster bake, or are just grilling up some burgers in your backyard, Massachusetts natives know that summer is outdoor cooking season.
5. We order "coffee regular."
Flickr/prettyinprint
Though the definition of a "coffee regular" actually varies throughout the state, it usually means one cream and 1-2 sugars.

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6. And navigate using local Dunkin’ Donuts as landmarks.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
If you’ve ever found yourself giving directions that sounds like, "go left at Dunks, keep going straight until you hit the rotary, and then take the exit with the Dunkin’ Donuts on the corner," you’re definitely a Massachusetts native.
7. We still aren’t over ousting the British.
Flickr/Anna Hesser
If you live around Boston, you’ll be familiar with Evacuation Day. It’s an official holiday (meaning kids get the day off from school) to celebrate the day British troops were forced to leave the city of Boston on March 17, 1776. It also conveniently falls on the same day as St. Patrick’s Day.
8. We crawl along a greasy pole for fun and glory.
Wikimedia Commons/Cody Carlson
The Greasy Pole Contest has been a Gloucester tradition since 1927. Held during St. Peter’s Fiesta, the tradition involves shimmying across a wooden pole slathered in Crisco, bacon fat, banana peels, and all things slimy in order to claim a flag at the end.
9. Chowder festivals are a big deal.
Flickr/Neil Conway
We love clam chowder so much that entire afternoons are dedicated to sampling the best varieties from all over the state. It’s not summer without a chowder festival.
10. We brag about Massachusetts every chance we get.
Flickr/Garet Voight
And you can’t really blame us.

What other Massachusetts traditions can you think of? Let us know in the comments! For more Bay State Pride, check out this list of unique Massachusetts holiday traditions.

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