No Pants Subway Ride Day takes place in early January every year, on January 9 this year, and the official date is announced a month before it in early December.
It is an annual event where as the name suggests people ride the subway (or other rapid transit) with no pants on.
Interestingly, it has been observed in different parts of the world in over 60 cities since 2002! Improv Everywhere organizes the event, and they have coordinators worldwide to make sure everyone knows and follows the instructions for this crazy holiday.
History of No Pants Subway Ride Day:
The idea behind this amusing day came from Charlie Todd from Improv Everywhere back in 2002. The idea was simple to confuse (and hopefully amuse) bystanders.
Seven male participants all boarded a subway car at different stops, decked up in winter gear from head to toe with one catch they had no pants on.
In a hidden camera video from the scene, the other passengers look confused at first and then break into laughter. It was a light hearted prank that quickly gained popularity.
Interesting facts about No Pants Subway Ride Day:
“Sesame Street” subway: Once a group dressed as the entire cast of “Sesame Street” was spotted riding the subway.
The Guardian Angels: In 1979, a group of 13 known as the Guardian Angels patrolled the subway to protect its riders.
Hover over the line: Hoverboards are not allowed on the subway.
Backfiring paint: Subway cars painted to stop graffiti ended up being blank canvases for artists who fully covered them in art.
Subs don’t lie: Due to the overuse of the “my train was delayed” excuse, companies can request delay verifications.
