This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Gorilla Suit Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Gorilla Suit Day is celebrated on January 31st.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Gorilla Suit Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about Gorilla Suit Day.
📅 What day is Gorilla Suit Day 2024?
In 2024, Gorilla Suit Day is on Tuesday, January 31st. It is the 5th Tuesday in January; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about January 31, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
We absolutely love a special day that gives us the opportunity to embrace our primal instincts, even if it means dressing up in a suit(!). That’s why we’re incredibly excited about Gorilla Suit Day, an annual event that falls on January 31. This larger-than-life day is dedicated to recognizing the iconic gorilla costumes that we often see during Halloween, costume parties, in movies, and sometimes just for the sheer joy of it. So, grab your own gorilla suit and join us in the festivities.
📜 Gorilla Suit Day History
Before Gemora’s gorilla suit, the portrayal of gorillas in movies was not accurate because Westerners had limited exposure to these animals until the 1860s. As a result, the early gorilla costumes were not very realistic.
However, when Gemora’s realistic gorilla outfit was introduced, it coincided with a time when the movie industry and the fascination with gorillas were booming. This popularity continued for several decades until the 1950s when the fear factor associated with gorillas declined.
The advent of special effects revolutionized the film industry, rendering the need for men in costumes obsolete as computers could create everything. Despite this shift, a few nostalgic fans like Rick Baker continued to use gorilla costumes in their films, avoiding special effects and illusions.
In 1963, Don Martin, an artist for “MAD” magazine, created a comic mocking the fictional Gorilla Suit holiday. The comic depicted a character being attacked by gorillas and people dressed as gorillas in a comical “MAD” magazine style. Though the comic is no longer widely available, Don Martin fans continue to celebrate the holiday unofficially, gathering with fellow “MAD” magazine readers to honor the artist and the iconic gorilla suits.
✅ Gorilla Suit Day Facts
🔖 A Guinness World Record category
The Denver Gorilla Run holds the record for the “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Gorillas.” This event happens once a year and involves a five-mile run where all participants wear gorilla suits. The purpose of this run is to raise money for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund.
🔖 The Phoenix Suns’ official mascot
Henry Rojas started off as a Gorilla-Gram performer at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, but his incredible popularity among the fans led to him becoming the Phoenix Suns’ official mascot named “Go”. This happened even after Rojas retired from his role.
🔖 It dances with the stars
On the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” Bristol Palin decided to wear a gorilla costume and perform a dance routine to the song “Hey Hey, We’re The Monkees.”
👍 Why Is Gorilla Suit Day Important
They are both attractive and interesting creatures. Wearing a gorilla costume serves as a reminder of this truth.
Who hasn’t fantasized about attempting Kong’s perilous climbs (although in a safer manner) or pretending to be Grodd for a moment? On Gorilla Suit Day, we get to put our fantasies into action.
We also need to make time for some unimportant enjoyment. This day hits all the right notes.
🙂 How To Observe Gorilla Suit Day
⚡ Throw a jungle party
Honestly, most people don’t have gorilla costumes in their closets. But they might have bunny ears, cat tails, and other animal-themed accessories. So, why not embrace your wild side and throw a jungle-themed party? To make it extra special, surprise your guests with the unexpected appearance of a person dressed as a gorilla. This “crazy” event can be a fun way to celebrate the end of the first month of the year and also honor Gorilla Suit Day!
⚡ Wear a gorilla suit
Calling all enthusiasts of gorilla suits! Come together! Remove your attire and embark on thrilling escapades (or playfully trick someone in your household). Don’t own a suit? Fear not! They can be acquired in sizes suitable for both adults and children, or alternatively, you can opt for partial suits (such as just the top or the face mask).
⚡ Read the book that inspired it all
The book called “Don Martin Bounces Back” is no longer being published, but you might still find the original paperback version with the gorilla costume on online bookstores. If you’re looking for more laughs, I recommend exploring the entire “Don Martin” series.
📅 When is Gorilla Suit Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | January 31 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 31 | Monday |
Explore all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 Funny holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Gorilla Suit Day. So be sure to check back soon.