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Gorilla Suit Day

Get ready to go wild on Gorilla Suit Day! Don't monkey around - grab your suit and join in on the fun with fellow gorilla enthusiasts.

Sunday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 31

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to unleash your inner gorilla on January 31 for Gorilla Suit Day! This quirky holiday was first created in 1963 by Don Martin, a cartoonist for Mad Magazine, as a way to celebrate the "absurdity of life". It's a day where people of all ages can dress up in gorilla suits and embrace their wild side. Whether you want to go all out with a full costume or just wear a simple mask, this day is sure to bring some laughter and fun into your life. So don't be afraid to go bananas and join in on the celebration!

TIMELINE

Gorilla Suit Day Timeline

Gorilla Suit Day Inception

Cartoonist Don Martin creates Gorilla Suit Day as part of a storyline in Mad Magazine.

Cult Popularity Growth

The idea of Gorilla Suit Day spreads among Mad Magazine's readership, gaining cult status over the next decade.

Mainstream Recognition

Gorilla Suit Day begins to receive mainstream attention, with it being featured and recognized in various media outlets.

Internet Amplification

With the advent of the internet, Gorilla Suit Day reaches a broader audience globally through online celebrations and social media.

Gorilla Suit Day in Pandemic

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Gorilla Suit Day is celebrated at home, with people sharing their celebrations online.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Gorilla Suit Day

Wear a gorilla suit all day

Embrace the holiday and wear a gorilla suit all day long! Let your inner primate out and have some fun with it.

HOST

Host a gorilla-themed party

Invite your friends over for a gorilla-themed party! Decorate with banana-themed decorations and have some fun gorilla-inspired treats.

WATCH

Watch gorilla documentaries

Take the opportunity to learn more about gorillas by watching documentaries about them. You can gain a deeper appreciation for these amazing animals on this special day.

Go to the zoo dressed in a gorilla suit

Visit your local zoo while dressed in a gorilla suit! You'll surely turn some heads and have a great time pretending to be a real gorilla.

CREATE

Create gorilla-inspired art

Get creative and make some gorilla-inspired art! It can be anything from a drawing or painting to a sculpture or even a gorilla costume. Let your imagination run wild!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Gorilla Suit Day

It allows for self-expression

With so many gorilla suit variations out there, Gorilla Suit Day gives people the opportunity to express themselves in unique and unconventional ways. Whether you prefer a classic full-body suit or want to get more creative with your own design, the options are endless.

It's a fun and silly holiday

Gorilla Suit Day is a lighthearted and silly holiday that gives people a chance to let loose, don a gorilla suit, and have some laughs. It's a great way to break out of routine and inject some humor into our lives.

It brings people together

Gorilla Suit Day is a shared experience - everyone participating is dressed up in the same goofy costume, bringing a sense of unity and camaraderie. Plus, it's always fun to see how creative people can get with their costumes!