Towel Day on May 25 is an annual celebration created by Douglas Adams’s admirers in his honour. Adams is the author of the classic science fiction novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” This day was created in his honour after he died of a cardiac attack at the age of 49. His fans desired a means to commemorate his life’s work, and after one successful towel day, it became an annual event. On this particular day, fans tote towels wherever they go.
HISTORY OF TOWEL DAY
Towel Day is observed on May 25, two weeks after Adams’s passing on May 11, 2001. The day has become a sort of ”nerd holiday” over time due to its association with the popular television series.
Why do you need a towel? The towel is said to play an important role in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Adams described towels as the most useful item for interstellar travellers. In chapter three of the book, he writes, “According to the book, a towel is the single most useful item for an interstellar voyager.
Adams’s most important piece of advice was, “Never leave home without a towel.” This day has been observed for the past 19 years and is a great opportunity for science fiction fans from around the globe to celebrate… with their towels. It is said that Adams was a humorous author and witty individual, and that this day commemorates his endearing foolishness.
5 FACTS ABOUT DOUGLAS ADAMS
An asteroid bears his name
In 2001, the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research initiative discovered the asteroid 25924 Douglasadams and designated it as such.
He appeared on a popular TV programme
Adams reportedly appeared briefly as Dr. Emile Konig in an episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus; he also contributed to the script for “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
He was a close companion of David Gilmour
Adams, performed at Pink Floyd’s Earl’s Court concert in London in 1994, and named the band’s 1994 album The Division Bell.
He scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, but that’s not all
Adams was an environmentalist and animal lover who spent his entire life advocating for endangered species; in 1994, he ascended Mount Kilimanjaro in a rhino suit to raise awareness for Save The Rhino.
A handful of “Doctor Who” episodes were written by him
He contributed to several episodes of the popular British television series “Doctor Who.”
TOWEL DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | May 25 | Thursday |
2024 | May 25 | Saturday |
2025 | May 25 | Sunday |
2026 | May 25 | Monday |
2027 | May 25 | Tuesday |