World Goth Day
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Overview
World Goth Day, observed annually on May 22nd, is an international event celebrating the Goth subculture. It provides an opportunity for goths to express their identity, share their music, fashion, and art, and educate the public about the diversity and complexity of the culture, often aiming to dispel common misconceptions and stereotypes.
Origin and story
World Goth Day began in 2009 in the UK, originating from a BBC Radio 6 Music feature on Goth music.
It quickly expanded from a local UK event into an international celebration observed by Goths worldwide.
Quick facts
- DateMay 22
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
World Goth Day has a very specific birthday: it started in 2009, created by two BBC-affiliated DJs with names that could only belong to the scene they were celebrating.
Meet the DJs who started it
Martin OldGoth and Cruel Britannia launched what was then called Goth Day as part of a BBC Radio 6 Music feature. They deliberately picked May instead of Halloween, so the day wouldn't get lumped in with people just dressing up for the holiday.
Trace goth back to its post-punk roots
Goth music grew out of bands like Joy Division, the Cure, and Siouxsie and the Banshees as they emerged from punk's collapse in the late 1970s. Read up on how the scene evolved from there through acts like Bauhaus and the Sisters of Mercy.
Dress, and listen, the part
Put on black, add the eyeliner, and queue up a playlist spanning the genre's history — from its post-punk originators to whatever modern band is keeping the sound alive now.
Helpful resources: World Goth Day: Going Dark (Rolling Stone)
Fun facts
- World Goth Day began in 2009 in the UK, originating from a BBC Radio 6 Music feature on Goth music.
- It quickly expanded from a local UK event into an international celebration observed by Goths worldwide.
- The day aims to celebrate the subculture's music, fashion, and art, while also challenging stereotypes and fostering community.
Sources and attribution
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is World Goth Day?
- It is observed on May 22 each year.
- What is World Goth Day?
- World Goth Day, observed annually on May 22nd, is an international event celebrating the Goth subculture. It provides an opportunity for goths to express their identity, share their music, fashion, and art, and educate the public about the diversity and complexity of the culture, often aiming to dispel common misconceptions and stereotypes.
- How do people celebrate World Goth Day?
- Dress in black and queue up a goth playlist, and read about the two BBC DJs, Martin OldGoth and Cruel Britannia, who started the holiday in 2009.
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