homecoming

noun[before a noun]3

1. •
   The act or event of returning home.

   • His homecoming was saddened by the news of his mother's death the day before.
2. •
   (US, Canada) In high schools and colleges, a tradition centered around a football game, a parade and the coronation of a Homecoming Queen.

   • Many alumni come back for homecoming, and many freshmen are advised to flee.
   • homecoming rave
3. •
   (US, Canada) Ellipsis of harvest homecoming, a traditional (street) party and/or dance near the start of the school year, at around fall mid-terms. It traditionally marks the start of harvest break, where students go home in autumn to harvest the crops on the family farms.