Just in time to snap us out of our January doldrums, the annual No Pants Subway Ride returns for its 16th year. What started as a small prank among a few friends has grown into a global phenomenon; this year over thirty cities are participating nationally and internationally.
People of all ages are invited to participate this Sunday, Jan. 8th. Riders board specified subway lines dressed in appropriate winter gear, minus their pants, and act like everything is normal throughout their complete ride.
After a snafu during the 2006 No Pants Subway Ride, which was shut down by a police officer (8 people were arrested in their underwear), it was determined it is perfectly legal to ride the subway in your underwear in New York City.
The event is organized by the comedy collective, Improv Everywhere, which “aims to surprise and delight random strangers through positive pranks, or ‘missions.’” Over the years, they’ve pulled off hundred of different pranks, involving tens of thousands of undercover performers, but the No Pants Suway Ride has remained the most acclaimed event.
