Residents of upstate New York have a special kind of bond; but the bonds that upstate residents are even more dedicated to are the upstate cities they’re from. Whether you’re from Buffalo, Syracuse, or Rochester, upstate citizens give allegiance to their home city. Being born and raised in Syracuse, I can most definitely say I have bought into the Syracuse pride for several reasons.
In its past, Syracuse was a major producer of salt in the United States, hence the nickname the “Salt City”. Prideful residents have named several businesses after the nickname in honor of the city they call home, with delicious eateries such as the Salt City Market, Salt City Bakery, Salt City Smash Burger, and more. Locally infamous restaurants that are one of a kind to Syracuse, such as XO Taco, Dinosaur Barbeque, and Rise N Shine Diner, make the city a place where there is always something new to try. Syracuse is also home to chicken riggies, Utica greens, and salt potatoes; dishes originating in Syracuse that not many people from outside of the city are familiar with (and if someone that isn't from Syracuse claims to have had chicken riggies before, they are definitely not as good as the ones made right in ‘Cuse).
As a child, I learned quick that Syracuse University Athletics are a huge deal across the city; Syracuse University Athletics are universally supported by all Syracuse residents. My dad used to take my brother and I to Syracuse basketball home games on the weekends, right after we hit up Marshall Street to get a slice of pizza at either Varsity Pizza or Acropolis Pizza. Marshall Street is a local “famous” street in Syracuse just off the University’s campus, and the Varsity versus Acropolis pizza before the Syracuse game debate is one that is strongly opinionated. Regardless of what your opinion is, Syracuse fans will disregard if you like Varsity or Acropolis more, and will bond and come together in support of the Syracuse Orange’s athletics.
Aside from just athletics, Syracuse is a city where citizens are constantly coming together in other ways, too. With several annual festivals and events hosted in the heart of downtown that I’ve come to attend every year, such as Taste of Syracuse, the Great New York State Fair, the Blues Festival, and Syracuse Fashion Week, it is amazing to see the streets completely filled and people simply enjoying their city. These festivals and events are where I see so many friends from around Syracuse and have been some of my most memorable times with my friends to this day. When I’m home on break from college, my friends from home and I will spend a lot of time exploring downtown, trying new coffee shops and dinner spots.
Syracuse is also a rather diverse city. With the fifth largest population of any city in New York State, Syracuse exemplifies its diversity through several other festivals and events throughout the year, such as Greek Festival, Festa Italiana, The Middle Eastern Festival, and more. It is inspiring to have cultural festivals in Syracuse because it allows the citizens to embrace and teach others about their cultures, all while again the community can come together to celebrate and enjoy the city.
So, although many people at Cornell regard Syracuse simply as the closest city to campus with a Chick-Fil-A or a large shopping mall, Syracuse is much more than that. Through athletics, community events, a lively downtown area and more, Syracuse is a place where people take pride in being a citizen of the city. Syracuse has allowed me to be exposed to so many different adventures and opportunities that I’m very thankful for.
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