World Goth Day is here! Today’s the day to celebrate all things goth. Whether you’re more into the aesthetic (no judgment here!), the music or even the architecture, there’s a way to sing it loud and proud in this list.
What is World Goth Day?
But first, a quick recap on what World Goth Day is.Goth is often misunderstood. Lots of people think goths are evil, depressed or just plain weird. But it’s not true! Okay the weird bit might be true, but the rest of it isn’t. We’re (generally) open minded, good hearted, exquisitely dressed and have a great sense of humour – much like everyone else! That’s why World Goth Day is important. It’s a celebration of all the good stuff that comes with being goth.
It was originally declared by goth DJs Cruel Britannia (now known as Batboy Slim) and martin oldgoth in 2009, buoyed by BBC Radio 6’s Goth Day – a set of special programmes around the gothic subculture.
So, in need of some ideas to celebrate? Take a look at our list.
Embrace the Dark Aesthetic
Whether you like it or not, the way we dress and accessorise makes up a huge part of goth culture. So pick out your best edgy outfit, create your most striking hairstyle, take your time over your makeup and wear your favourite gothic jewellery.
Don’t stop there, make sure your home (or just your room) looks the part too, from gothing up your space with secondhand crucifixes to putting up some aesthetic Halloween decorations from years’ past.
Dive into Goth Music
Play it loud and play it proud – it’s time to put on some tunes. No World Goth Day celebration is complete without music, so what are you putting on? We’d recommend starting with iconic goth bands and artists like Siouxsie Sioux & The Banshees, Bauhaus, Joy Division and The Cure (basically the godmothers and godfathers of goth, however much they like to deny it).
Feel free to dive into all the bands, genres and songs with gothic influences too, from Nine Inch Nails to Chelsea Wolfe, ‘Tear You Apart’ by She Wants Revenge to ‘Helena’ by My Chemical Romance. If you’re feeling super creative, pick up a guitar and try and compose your own gothic masterpiece.
You could even head out in all your fine goth regalia, support your local goth night and dance the night away!
Explore Gothic Literature and Art
If you’d prefer a night in with a good book, why not reach for your favourite gothic literature? Classic works include Dracula by Bram Stoker and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, as well as more romantic novels like Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by Charlotte and Emily Bronte respectively. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the haunting tales of Edgar Allen Poe.
For art, you have two choices. You could take a look at the Gothic art (capital g) or gothic art (a small one. The capital G for Gothic art refers to the style that you see in those incredible gothic cathedrals – think pointed arches and ornate, stained glass windows. The V&A have an incredible art collection based around Gothic art.
If you prefer art with a dark inclination, take a look at artworks by Francisco Goya, HR Giger, Qimmy Shimmy, or just head to etsy!
Connect with the Goth Community
If you’re in the mood for making friends this World Goth Day, then use it as an opportunity to connect with the community. See if you can find any local goth meetups or events (it doesn’t always have to be a club night! We’re talking markets, gigs or art exhibitions!), or if you can’t, perhaps try and organise your own!
If local events are a struggle, head online. Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter as we build an online goth community!
Celebrate World Goth Day Online
Don’t forget to celebrate online too. Share your looks, what you’re listening to, and what you’re up to on your own social media platforms, and encourage others to do the same. You could also share the gothic-inspired artwork, music or poetry that you’ve created yourself (or just your favourite ones if you’re not feeling creative).
Alternatively, donate to goth-related charities or fundraisers. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is a charity that fights prejudice and intolerance toward people of alternative subcultures – a worthy cause! Other charities that are goth-related could be the Bat Conservation Trust.
Host a Goth-Themed Gathering
Got a group of goth mates? Organize a goth party or dinner with activities like tarot card readings and gothic movie marathons. Think gothic-inspired dishes and drinks, set to your favourite atmospheric goth music. Check out Helena Garcia’s recipe book The Wicked Baker or research Halloween recipes for a gothic feast. Make sure everyone dresses up in their finery – you could even set up a selfie station with a dramatic gothic backdrop.
Hope you have a very unhappy World Goth Day!
feature image credit: worldgothday.com official logo.
