Gorilla Suit Day 2024: We adore a day that lets us unleash our inner ape, even if it is in a suit(!) – and that’s why we are extremely enthusiastic about Gorilla Suit Day, which rolls around on January 31 each year. This enormous day, akin to King Kong, is dedicated to celebrating the monkey outfits that are worn for fun, at costume parties, movies, and Halloween. Put on your gorilla suit and come celebrate with us.
History Of Gorilla Suit Day
Carlos Cruz Gemora, a Hollywood makeup artist, created the first outfit in the 1920s. His outfit had authenticity thanks to his knowledge of genuine gorillas from the San Diego Zoo and his skill with makeup.
Movies had a version of gorilla suits before Gemora’s, but sadly, they weren’t very accurate. This was since this primate remained unknown to Westerners until the 1860s, and even then, it was considered a curiosity in the early 20th century. As a result, the original gorilla outfits were dubious depictions of the real animal.
By the time Gemora’s realistic outfit materialized, both gorillas and the film business were experiencing great success. This continued for several decades until the 1950s, at which point their level of fear decreased.
The invention of special effects occurred. It completely upended the film industry. Computers could do it all, therefore men in costumes were no longer needed. A few holdouts from the past, like Rick Baker, continued to wear the gorilla suit. Baker avoided illusions and special effects in favor of appearing in films like “Schlock” and “The Thing With Two Heads” while wearing a gorilla suit.
Don Martin, one of “MAD” magazine’s “Maddest Artists,” created a 56-page comic in 1963 that parodied the fictional Gorilla Suit holiday at the time. Then, in a manner that is distinctly ridiculous and amusing for “MAD” magazine, gorillas and people wearing gorilla suits attack this character. Even though the book itself is no longer in existence, Don Martin admirers continue to celebrate the occasion with this paperback, titled “Don Martin Bounces Back.” To commemorate this unofficial holiday in honor of the artist and the suits themselves, they come together with “MAD” magazine readers.
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Gorilla Suit Day Activities
Put on a gorilla suit.
Fans of gorilla suits, come together! Take off your suit and go on exciting adventures (or play a small practical joke on a member of your family). Not near a suit to wear? These are available in both adult and child sizes at many places, along with half suits that only include the top or the face mask.
Go through the book that started it all.
Although the book is out of print, “Don Martin Bounces Back,” the original paperback with the gorilla suit, may still be available online. For even more chuckles, check out the whole of the “Don Martin” series.
Organize a jungle celebration.
Sincere enough, how many individuals own gorilla outfits in their closet? However, they may have cat tails, rabbit ears, and other features. Thus, take a cue from Tarzan and host a party with a jungle theme, with a special appearance by the gorilla. Embrace this ‘crazy’ evening to commemorate Gorilla Suit Day and the conclusion of the first month of the year!
Common People Used Gorilla Suits Five Times.
- During her performance on “Dancing with the Stars,” Bristol Palin dons a gorilla suit and moves to the song “Hey Hey We’re The Monkees.”
- The Denver Gorilla Run, an annual five-mile race in which competitors run in gorilla suits to raise money for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, has won “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Gorillas.”
- Performer Henry Rojas was only brought on to give a Gorilla-Gram at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, but the crowd took to him so well that ‘Go’ the gorilla was adopted as the official mascot of the Phoenix Suns, even after Rojas withdrew from the stage.
- A prankster disguised as a banana tackled a cell phone company mascot in a gorilla outfit in Strongsville, Ohio in 2011.
- In 2009, a woman wearing a gorilla suit raced through convenience stores in Wisconsin, attempting, but failing, to grab Styrofoam bananas; the bandit quickly vanished and the raids were never carried out again.
Why Gorilla Suit Day Is So Fun
Gorillas are awesome.
These creatures are captivating as well as lovely.
We get to pretend to be famous Hollywood stars.
Who hasn’t fantasized about doing something as risk-free as Kong’s hair-raising climbs or spending a minute pretending to be Grodd? We truly get to fulfill these fantasies on Gorilla Suit Day.
Today is silly and enjoyable.
We must schedule some time for unimportant enjoyment as well. This day hits all the appropriate chords.
GORILLA SUIT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 31 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 31 | Monday |
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