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National Gorilla Suit Day

Fun · January 31

A day for putting on a gorilla suit, or simply admiring the costume that has turned up in comedies, cartoons and costume parties for generations.

National Gorilla Suit Day falls on Sunday, January 31, 2027. That is 96 days away.

A gorilla suit is a full-body costume made to look like a great ape: furry arms and legs, a big chest, and a mask with a heavy brow. On this day people put one on, or at least think fondly of the idea.

The suit has a long run in comedy. It shows up in old films, sketch shows and cartoons, usually at the worst possible moment for someone in the scene. Part of the appeal is how ordinary the person inside is. A gorilla doing the dishes or waiting for a bus is funnier than a gorilla doing anything a gorilla would actually do.

People mark the day in simple ways. Some wear a suit to the office or the grocery store and act as if nothing is unusual. Others rewatch a favorite scene with a costumed ape, or just walk around with a gorilla mask and a newspaper.

Wearing one is warmer than it looks. The fur, the padding and the mask hold in heat, and the eye holes rarely line up well with human eyes. Anyone suiting up tends to take breaks, drink water, and keep a friend nearby to point out curbs.

Real gorillas, for what it is worth, are quiet, mostly plant-eating animals that live in family groups in the forests of central Africa. The suit borrows their shape and very little of their calm.

Ways to celebrate

• Wear a gorilla suit or mask for an ordinary errand.
• Rewatch a favorite movie or cartoon scene with a costumed gorilla.
• Take a photo of someone in a gorilla suit doing chores.
• Read about real gorillas and how their family groups live.

Dates

All national days on January 31

Also on January 31

• National Hot Chocolate Day
• National Backward Day
• Brandy Alexander Day
• Eat Brussels Sprouts Day
• Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Categories: Fun days