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Students who hopped on the T after landing back in Boston Sunday were in for a big surprise. On Jan. 12, daring Bostonians got on the T without pants to participate in the city's annual "No Pants Subway Ride" day.
Here are some facts to get cheeky with:
1. This holiday of near-nudity extends all around the world: The event started in New York and has since spread from Mexico City to Paris to Hong Kong. Passengers aboard trains in 65 cities in 25 countries participated.
2. It's not a one time thing: The Pantless subway ride originated in 2002 with 2014 representing the thirteenth consecutive year it has occurred.
3. To hesitant pants lovers: The first pantless subway ride had just seven participants.
4. Why, Oh, Why?: Many assume there is a philanthropic cause behind the antics. This is not the case. The event is put on by "Improv Everywhere," a group that dedicates the event to a simple goal. “It’s meant to be a positive thing to make people laugh and smile," they say.
5. Who?: "Improv Everywhere" describe themselves as a “New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 100 missions involving tens of thousands of undercover agents.”
6. All other clothing not optional: Improv Everywhere reminds participants to continue to wear shirts, shoes, jackets, and everything else.
7. Police Presence: The only major story involving the police came in 2006. During the fifth annual No Pants Subway Ride, the train was taken out of service and all passengers were forced to exit. Eight people were handcuffed and taken into custody. The charges were later dropped as it is not illegal to wear only underwear in public in New York City.
8. Pantless Band of Brothers?: Many celebrities including Will Middlebrooks of the Red Sox tweeted pictures of the event. Middlebrooks' tweet left everyone wondering if he participated in a pant-less ride.
9. The Day After: People were still tweeting about it the next day, ensuring this was not an event to be forgotten.
10. Pictures say a thousand words, don’t they?
All photos courtesy of Twitter.
