by Jamila Apolinario
Security guards at the Eaton Centre on Sunday told the crowd of about 50 to “keep their pants on”, at least until they got into the subway. The organizers, however, had a different idea.
Every second Sunday in January, people in dozens of cities around the world gather to take part in the annual “No Pants Subway Ride”. This year marks the 19th time since Improv Everywhere’s first ride in 2002. It was winter in New York, seven participants from Improv Everywhere rode the subway with all their winter clothes on, except their pants and they pretended not to know each other. According to their website, it started as a prank and has grown into a celebration of silliness. Unlike the first time, there is a sense of community now as participants chat among themselves, and tell other riders what they are up to.
The temperature outside was -6 this past Sunday in Toronto, but that didn’t stop many, including first-timers Jenny and Chrissy Camps from dropping their pants and going for a ride.
“It is cold… but why not?!” according to the sisters. They said they can finally check it off their bucket list.
People learned about the ride on blogTO. The website told them when and where they were to meet and drop their pants.
The participants gathered in the Yonge-Dundas entrance of the mall at around 3 pm.
Some say wearing pants is like “putting your legs in jail” and this day, they wanted to set them free.
This woman caught everyone’s attention when she took off her pants and reveal her costume. Torontonians came up with different looks
for this event. Some have Flamingos, superhero costumes, glitters and etc.
For some, like Olga, Sergey and their son, it was a family affair.
“This is our first time and it is fun!” says Olga.
The reaction from the youngsters was mixed. Some preferred to remain fully dressed, proclaiming, “I still love pants!” and others couldn’t wait to join in, “I want to take my pants off!.”
Participants started their ride at Dundas Station taking the Line 1 Northbound train to St. George station, where they waited for the Line 2 Eastbound to Bloor-Yonge. Then finally they took the Line 1 Southbound to Wellesley station.
Not everyone on board the train was on board with going pants-less, but they also could see the humour in the event.
“It’s very unusual but at least they are having fun” Katrina a non-participant, With or without pants many enjoyed their subway ride.
“I’ve been doing this for seven years and this year it’s warm,” says Malcolm Lovejoy. When asked about the weather. Lovejoy says that the coldest time he experienced was the 2018 No Pants Subway Ride.
The event was a success, and you could see smiles from everyone’s faces. Many were posting to their own social media accounts. When participants were asked if they want to participate in the next year’s event they all said yes, they are looking forward to the 2021 No Pants Subway Ride,
Be the first to comment