January 13, 2013 is the 12th year that Improv Everywhere/ We Cause Scenes , a New York City based “prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places”, has attempted to bring a bit of fun, joy and laughter into the lives of worlds commuters. The idea behind the annual ‘No Pants Subway Ride is simple: Random passengers board a subway car at separate stops in the middle of winter without pants. The participants behave as if they do not know each other, and they all wear winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, the only unusual thing is their lack of pants.
Over the years the event has grown and in 2013 the No Pants Subway Ride is happening in over 50 cities around the world – including Sydney, London, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Mexico City and many more. Click here for the entire list with links to each city's event page.
The annual event, which numbered almost 4000 in NYC alone in January 2012, began in 2002 with only 7 male participants. That year one pant less man entered the train at 7 consecutive stops. Each man pretended not to notice the other, and if asked each man claimed that he had “just forgotten” his pants. Finally at the 8th stop, someone walked through the train selling pants from a duffel bag for only $1. And No Pants Subway Ride was born.
For an overview of the history of ‘The No Pants Subway Ride’ which includes some very funny videos dating back to its inception in 2002 click here. For a list of the requirements for participation click here, and a list of all the cities participating in the Global No Pants Subway Ride click here
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