One of the most important dates in the gothic calendar, 22nd May is World Goth Day! It’s a chance to celebrate this vast, diverse subculture and everything it has to offer – from music, literature, film and art to fashion and aesthetics – World Goth Day is the perfect chance to embrace it all.
But what is World Goth Day, and how did it start? We’re here to answer all your questions and give you some ideas on how to celebrate!
Contents
What is the meaning of World Goth Day?
How to Celebrate World Goth Day
What is the meaning of World Goth Day?
World Goth Day is an annual celebration of all things gothic, from music and fashion to film and culture; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the goth scene as a whole and make it known to the rest of the world!
It’s also a chance to celebrate subcultures of all kinds and the freedom for everyone to express themselves. The many events that take place to celebrate World Goth Day take a big-hearted approach, raising money for charities close to the community like the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a charity which aims to stop prejudice against subcultures.
When is World Goth Day?
While many people assume that World Goth Day would be right in the middle of spooky season or further into the dark depths of winter, it’s much earlier in the calendar than you might think.
World Goth Day is celebrated annually on 22nd May. The middle of UK Springtime, when the flowers have started to bloom, and the weather is (sometimes) pleasant – quite the opposite of what you might imagine for a day celebrating Gothic culture!
Why is May 22 World Goth Day?
In 2009, BBC Radio 6 Music celebrated “Goth Day” on 22nd May. They dedicated the full day to giving some much-needed airtime to music from different subcultures, including some of the best goth musicians out there. Gothic DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin OldGoth loved the idea so much that they decided to make World Goth Day an annual event, celebrated on May 22nd ever since.
How to celebrate World Goth Day
So, how do you get involved? Well, first of all, some great events are going on around the UK that you can take part in. Check out the World Goth Day website or follow the X account for more information and updates.
Otherwise, here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate the big day!
Support local goth culture
World Goth Day is a great opportunity to check out your local goth scene. Find out if there is a goth night at your nearest club, show support to local alternative bands and musicians or check out gothic shops and stalls. If you’re struggling to find anything in your local area, search online for some new gothic artists or online shops!
Craft
The gothic subculture is renowned for being crafty and creative. Embrace this side of gothic life by creating something new. Perhaps pick up a paintbrush, create a new piece of jewellery, upcycle your clothes or have a go at writing a poem! It doesn’t matter if you don’t create the latest masterpiece; it’s all about being creative, letting go of your worries and having fun.
Get spooked on a gothic tour
Get out and about on World Goth Day and visit a gothic attraction like a creepy dungeon or a haunted ghost tour. Popular spots include York Dungeons, West Wycombe’s Hellfire Caves and Edinburgh Vaults.
If feeling spooked isn’t your thing, why not check out our guide to gothic architecture across the UK to enjoy grand goth buildings without the scary vibes?
Gothic film day
Whether you’re a horror lover, sci-fi enthusiast or enjoy something surreal, gather your friends and settle into a day of gothic film viewing. Our favourite dark viewing materials include Dracula, Donnie Darko, Edward Scissorhands, Frankenstein and Suspiria.
Listen to gothic podcasts
If your spare time is limited on World Goth Day, why not enjoy a gothic podcast over your lunch break or while you work? Podcasts are a great way to take in diverse perspectives and uncover new gothic topics you might not have explored before. Check out our list of top 10 gothic podcasts to get started.
Dress to excess
While gothic culture has many facets, there’s no denying that image plays a huge part. World Goth Day is the perfect excuse to dress to the nines, sharpen your eyeliner, refresh your hair dye and don your favourite gothic garms. Check out our women’s and men’s clothing collections and visit our Pinterest for style inspiration.
Celebrating World Goth Day at Attitude Clothing
We love World Goth Day at Attitude Clothing, so much that we celebrate gothic culture all year round! Check out our blog to uncover gothic subcultures, style, history and more.
Happy World Goth Day from Attitude Clothing!
The post What is World Goth Day? first appeared on Attitude Clothing Blog.