National Prom Day 2023: National Prom Day is observed on March 31 to commemorate the culminating high school experience of the average American adolescent: prom night. As we remember the tuxedos, corsages, the friendly limo driver, and the teary-eyed parents, let’s also recall the friendship, the joy, and the excitement of that once-in-a-lifetime occasion. In 2016 Prom Girl established National Prom Day to honour prom memories.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL PROM DAY
Prom originated as a co-ed event at a college to instill etiquette in a fresh class of university graduates. The event was first mentioned in the diary of an Amherst College student who documented his experience at the prom at the neighbouring university. As the decades passed, secondary school students began to celebrate the event. In the 1930s, high schools across the nation began celebrating the conclusion of the academic year with a Spring Fling or a formal.
As prom began to be held at night and in a more opulent setting, the shifting currents of a developing society began to manifest themselves. Not until the 1950s, however, did prom reach its zenith. As the burgeoning post-war economy and Hollywood’s golden age permeated the American psyche, their effects were also reflected in this annual celebration. Parents began funding their children’s proms, and end-of-year celebrations became a major attraction at U.S. public institutions.
After a brief decline following the Vietnam War, numerous depictions of prom evenings were reintroduced into the cultural spotlight through film.
National Prom Day was established in 2016 by PromGirl, an adolescent fashion and prom outfit brand, to recognise the significance of prom as a rite of passage for high school students into the “real world.” PromGirl partnered with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), an organisation that educates children about traffic safety, melancholy, bullying, and substance abuse, in its inaugural year.
In the years that followed, PromGirl partnered with The Garden of Dreams and numerous other youth-focused non-profits. The purpose of this holiday is to recognise the transformative experience of prom and to bring attention to the challenges facing American youth.
National Prom Night Events
Post an old photo.
The positive aspect of our shared high school experience is that we all have memories of prom night. Reminisce about satin gowns, flawlessly coiffed hair, and lively after-parties as you unearth the evening’s finest photographs. Call your high school peers and celebrate National Prom Day together.
Donate a dress/suit
There are thousands of high school seniors who rely on thrift stores and make sacrifices for prom. The best method to observe the holiday is by helping those in need. You will not only make their evening unforgettable, but you will also become a permanent part of their memories.
Organize a community prom.
This year, go above and beyond by hosting a community prom. Gather your family, friends, and neighbours for a night of nostalgia, polaroids, and finger foods. To create a prom-like atmosphere, impose a formal dress code.
5 STUNNING DEPICTIONS OF PROM IN POP CULTURE
“Carrie” (1976)
Stephen King’s supernatural saga brought adolescent anguish to the forefront and reignited prom fever across the United States.
“She Has It All” (1999)
We love a makeover montage, particularly when Freddie Prinze Jr. is at the helm; this film broke box office records and has one of the best prom-like endings ever.
“10 Things I Despise About You” (1999)
As the protagonist endeavours to “tame the shrew,” the film depicts the duality of prom culture in our society perfectly.
“Footloose” (1984)
As prom began to lose popularity in the United States, “Footloose” swept in and made teenagers rediscover their passion for this tradition.
The film “Mean Girls” (2004)
When it comes to prom in popular culture, “Mean Girls” is one of the greatest eccentric classics.
NATIONAL PROM DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 31 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 31 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 31 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 31 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 31 | Wednesday |
