National Gorilla Suit Day

National Gorilla Suit Day is observed on January 31. In 2026, it falls on January 31. This unusual holiday invites people to wear full gorilla costumes in public to celebrate the absurdity of the “monkey suit” and its long history in popular culture. While many holidays center on somber reflections or family gatherings, this day focuses entirely on surrealism and humor. It serves as an annual tribute to the fans of satirical comics who transformed a fictional joke into a global participatory event.

History of National Gorilla Suit Day

The holiday was created by Don Martin, a legendary cartoonist for MAD Magazine known as “MAD’s Maddest Artist.” It first appeared in his 1963 paperback collection, Don Martin Bounces Back, in a story featuring a character named Fester Bestertester. In the comic, Bestertester mocks the idea of a National Gorilla Suit Day, claiming it is merely a ploy by gorilla suit manufacturers to sell their products. His skepticism leads to a series of increasingly ridiculous assaults by gorillas and people in gorilla suits, eventually proving that the holiday is not to be trifled with.

While the day was born in the pages of a satire book, fans of Don Martin’s work began celebrating it in real life shortly after the book’s publication. The transition from fiction to reality was aided by the 1979 MAD Don Martin Calendar, which gave the holiday a fixed place in the cultural zeitgeist. Over time, the celebration has expanded beyond comic book circles to include film historians who appreciate the “gorilla man” tradition in Hollywood. This legacy includes actors like Ray “Crash” Corrigan and Charles Gemora, who made careers out of portraying apes in films before digital effects became the industry standard.

Why is National Gorilla Suit Day important?

This day is important because it preserves a unique form of 20th-century physical comedy and craftsmanship. Before the advent of computer-generated imagery, the “man in a suit” was the primary method for bringing creatures to life on screen. National Gorilla Suit Day honors the artistry of suit-makers and the physicality of the performers who worked under heavy, hot layers of fur and latex to entertain audiences. By celebrating these costumes, the holiday keeps the history of practical special effects alive for a new generation of filmmakers and enthusiasts.

Beyond its historical value, the observance provides a much-needed outlet for collective silliness at the end of a long winter month. Scientific studies often highlight the stress-reducing benefits of laughter and play, and dressing as a primate is a direct way to bypass social inhibitions. It fosters a sense of community among participants who share a specific, eccentric sense of humor. The day also serves as a living memorial to Don Martin’s creative genius, ensuring that his trademark style of slapstick and onomatopoeia continues to inspire people to not take life too seriously.

• It honors the legacy of Don Martin and the satirical spirit of MAD Magazine.
• The holiday celebrates the history of practical creature effects in Hollywood.
• Wearing a suit provides a fun, low-stakes way to engage in performance art.
• It creates a sense of shared joy and confusion in public spaces.
• The day reminds adults of the importance of imaginative and nonsensical play.

How to Celebrate National Gorilla Suit Day

The most direct way to observe the day is to don a gorilla suit and go about your normal daily routine. Whether you are grocery shopping, walking the dog, or sitting in a coffee shop, the goal is to bring a touch of the unexpected to your neighborhood. If you do not own a suit, you can still participate by wearing a gorilla mask or a t-shirt featuring a primate. Sharing your exploits on social media with the event’s dedicated hashtag helps connect you with the global community of “gorilla-suiters” who are celebrating alongside you.

Another way to celebrate is to revisit the source material by reading vintage Don Martin comics or MAD Magazine archives. You can also host a movie marathon featuring classic “gorilla man” films like King Kong (1976), Trading Places, or the original Planet of the Apes. For those who prefer a more philanthropic approach, use the day to raise awareness or funds for mountain gorilla conservation, turning the humor of the suit into a benefit for real primates. The key is to embrace the absurdity of the day while spreading laughter to those who encounter you.

• Wear a full gorilla suit while running errands or meeting friends.
• Read a copy of Don Martin Bounces Back to learn the holiday’s origin story.
• Watch a documentary about the history of Hollywood monster suits.
• Host a party where the dress code requires at least one primate-themed accessory.
• Donate to a wildlife charity that protects endangered gorilla habitats.

National Gorilla Suit Day Dates Table