World Goth Day

Next Wednesday, 22 May 2024

World Goth Day is celebrated every year on May 22nd . It celebrates the Gothic scene and subculture, fashion, art, and music. Goth has been around since the 1980s and has gathered a huge following since then.

Many people who dress in the typical Gothic style are misunderstood, but World Goth Day wants to commemorate everything about the Goth scene and its presence around the globe. It was created to encourage people to be themselves and embrace their inner Goth.

World Goth Day

About Gothic people

Gothic people, also known as Goths, are a group of people who tend to follow a dark and dramatic aesthetic. They usually dress up in a dark and brooding manner which resembles the Victorian and medieval eras. This includes black clothes, lace, leather, spiked belts, and so on. 

The people of this subculture also tend to apply bold makeup and hairstyle, including dark lipstick, and eyeliner. 

Speaking of their taste in music, Gothic people usually prefer genres such as Gothic rock, post-punk, darkwave, and so on. The song themes often talk about death and grim or dark situations. These people are also interested in Gothic literature and horror movies.

World Goth Day History

This international holiday was created in the United Kingdom in 2009. During a week in May, presenters at BBC Radio 6 were looking into different music subcultures each day. On May 22nd they were playing Goth music, and DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin Oldgoth decided to unofficially declare it Goth Day. 

The idea was clearly popular, and Goth Day quickly turned into World Goth Day, an international celebration of everything Gothic to be observed annually. Worldwide commemoration events began popping up in many countries, and a website was created for World Goth Day to promote and coordinate all international activities. 

Goth Culture Origin

The Goth subculture was created by fans of gothic rock in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. The music and fashion drew inspiration from many sources, such as gothic literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, and by artists and photographers that depicted mystic and romantic motifs.

Some notable Goth icons and pioneers include Nick Cave, Siouxsie Sioux, Robert Smith, and Peter Murphy. All musicians saw their successful start in the 1980s. 

Celebrate World Goth Day

Many events take place in the United States for World Goth Day, such as the annual Darkwave Dance Party in San Francisco. Going to one is a great opportunity to get into the Goth scene and party with other lovers of the subculture and music.

Go back to the day's roots and call your local radio to ask them to play one of the Goth classics, such as The Cure and Bauhaus. Spread the love for gothic music around!

Host a Goth-themed party in honor of this subculture. Try and educate yourself more about its origins. Watch a gothic-inspired movie, or read a gothic novel.

World Goth Day
World Goth Day

World Goth Day - Next years

Thursday, 22 May 2025

Friday, 22 May 2026

Saturday, 22 May 2027

How many days until?

Select the event: