LYNN — Friday the 13th is traditionally known as an unlucky day, but not for anyone who wants a tattoo.
Tattoo veterans and newbies lined up outside tattoo parlors to celebrate the Friday the 13th tattoo holiday, when deep discounts are offered for these works of art.
That explained why more than two dozen, mostly teenagers, were in line two hours before Hood Ink on Boston Street opened.
“Our Friday the 13th special promotion is a chance for us to give back to the community who has supported me,” said Jeffrey Brito, the shop’s owner and tattoo artist who grew up on Boston Street and graduated from Lynn Vocational Technical Institute.
For one day only and on the eve of a full moon, a small and simply designed tattoo was $20. The usual minimum price for the work is $80.
Among the most popular designs sold were the infinity sign, zodiac symbols, and Roman numerals, he said.
Shantel Encarnacion, an 18-year-old student at North Shore Community College, and her friend Kenidee Rivera, 19, a recent KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate High School graduate, were among the first in line.
“We saw it on Instagram and decided to get cute little tattoos together,” said Encarnacion. “We decided to each get a fingers-crossed tattoo to symbolize our friendship.”
Two other friends, Lauren Worthington, 18, a student at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, and classmate Tatum Wise, 18, are considering a spaceship or the number 13 tattoo.
“I love the irony of getting something so permanent on a day that’s known for bad things happening,” said Worthington.
At 55, Rachel Venturelli was the oldest person in line and already has many tattoos.
Does it hurt?
“It feels like a burn from cigarettes,” she said. “But it’s worth it.”
