Some 200 people ride train in their underwear
Some 200 people braved sub-zero temperatures in the German capital on Sunday to ride the underground in their underwear as part of an annual strip-down event in cities across the globe. The bare-legged ride, which originated in the U.S. in 2002, is held under the slogan “No Pants Subway Ride.” In Berlin, people met at […]
Some 200 people braved sub-zero temperatures in the German capital on Sunday to ride the underground in their underwear as part of an annual strip-down event in cities across the globe.
The bare-legged ride, which originated in the U.S. in 2002, is held under the slogan “No Pants Subway Ride.”
In Berlin, people met at Frankfurter Allee station to set off in different groups around the city’s underground system.
Participants wore their normal winter clothing on top, but wore only boxer shorts, briefs or other items of underwear on the bottom half of their bodies.
The event now attracts thousands of people, with organisers saying groups in 60 cities now take part.
Organisers have said the goal of the event is to make people laugh, and participants are encouraged to keep it clean.
The Berlin group called on people to be serious as they intended to treat this year’s ride as a piece of improvised theatre.
People in New York City also planned to take part in the 16th annual No Pants Subway Ride.
They were to meet at different locations throughout Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan and then disperse throughout the subway system in groups, according to the local New York City CBS News affiliate.
The festivities started in 2002 by Improv Everywhere, a New York-based comedy collective, then was picked up in Philadelphia and other cities.
The event in Philadelphia is being sponsored by Got Laundry?, a pickup and delivery laundry service.
“First, this is NOT a NUDE event,” Got Laundry? said at its website.
“We will simply be removing our pants. It is expected that your private bits will remain unseen. Participate at your own risk.”
Participants were instructed to meet fully clothed in the centre of the city at 2:30 pm (1930 GMT). The business said to “add an awesome element of social responsibility” it would be collecting trousers and other clothing for the homeless on Sunday. (dpa/NAN)