From 2002-2020, hundreds of New Yorkers had braved the cold in January to take to the filthy subway in nothing but their undies. This year (same as last), the Improv Everywhere initiative has been canceled.
Their website reads:
The No Pants Subway Ride is not happening in New York in 2023. After 19 years of producing the event, we’ve decided to take a break (sadly the pandemic ruined our plans of making it 20 years in a row!)
Since the first ride in 2002, the initiative to get New York City down to its knickers gained huge traction. Pantless commuters, tourists and everyday citizens would participate in the day in over 60 cities worldwide.
According to Improv Everywhere, “The idea behind No Pants is simple: Random passengers board a subway car at separate stops in the middle of winter without pants. The participants behave as if they do not know each other, and they all wear winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. The only unusual thing is their lack of pants.” In other words, just New Yorkers looking to have some quirky fun!
And though the NYC tradition isn’t returning this year, other cities have continued the trouserless affair. See Londoner’s sans pants in its most recent “No Trousers Tube Ride” from last weekend below:
Stay up to date on any future Improv Everywhere events on their website.