Back when the United States of America had just been born, New London citizens held an annual event to take out their wrath on the hated figure of Benedict Arnold.

Arnold, infamous for being a traitor, led the British in the burning of the Whaling City on Sept. 6, 1781.

Afterward, each year, New London residents would march a two-faced effigy of Arnold around the streets and then burn it.

New London-based Flock Theatre revived that tradition in recent years. It will march an Arnold effigy down Bank Street on Saturday, ending at the Waterfront Park, where they figure will be burned. Members of the public are encouraged to march along with the procession, which begins at the Shaw Mansion at 7:30 p.m.

The Burning of Benedict Arnold, Saturday, downtown New London; procession leaves Shaw Mansion at 7:30 p.m., goes down Bank Street, and ends at the Waterfront Park at 8 p.m. with the burning; it’s being presented as part of the Maritime Heritage Festival; flocktheatre.org.