It’s World Goth Day, so brands pulled out the old black lipstick, dusted off those boots and took to social media to engage with audiences.
Founded in the UK by two DJs, World Goth Day began in 2009 with an annual gathering and celebration of the Goth subculture. Now the event spans across multiple countries, with several events raising money for charity.
The BBC Archive paid tribute to its dark followers with a clip from a 1987 TV program that explains the subculture’s punk origins.
BBC Archive would like to wish our followers a dark, morbid #WorldGothDay. Be sure not to celebrate – that's not goth. pic.twitter.com/fkSur9r9fU
— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) May 22, 2018
The Smithsonian Library added another bit of education to the holiday.
Goth Moth? The death's-head hawkmoth have skull-like markings on their thorax. Here is an illustration from "Butterfies and Moths (British)," digitized and in @BioDivLibrary https://t.co/y7cvtAlcbt #WorldGothDay pic.twitter.com/4bXVNDFh08
— Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (@SILibraries) May 22, 2018
Brands often take to Twitter to join trending conversations and World Goth Day is no exception. Rather than claim to be “real” Goths on this comfortably dark day, most brands took a playful, self-deprecating approach, laughing at how little they fit into the subculture.
Totino’s mascot, Pet Zaroll, shared a cheerful post against a gothic background.
Happy #WorldGothDay! I did my own eyeliner! Feeling great! Have a good one! Yippee! pic.twitter.com/IFYWAXb4CC
— Pete Zaroll (@totinos) May 22, 2018
Energy drink brand G Fuel made one of their black cups to look like a member of the goth subculture, complete with hairstyle and dragon earring.
It’s #WorldGothDay. See how goth WE are? It’s a lifestyle. Embrace the shadows. K. Bye. 🌙🕷💀 pic.twitter.com/KZAYpM8aRY
— G FUEL® (@GFuelEnergy) May 22, 2018
Progressive gave Flo a darker look just for the occasion:
I’d wish you a happy #WorldGothDay but I’m not sure that’s goth. pic.twitter.com/muK0fJViqX
— Flo from Progressive (@ItsFlo) May 22, 2018
Other brands used the opportunity to call attention to Goth-themed entertainment.
Naturally, Comedy Central gave a shout out to its infamous South Park Goth episode.
It's #WorldGothDay. Celebrate despondently.pic.twitter.com/4uLRu4OsO2
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) May 22, 2018
DC Comics paid tribute to its character, Raven and her dark origins.
When your dad is an evil demon from another dimension, it's pretty hard not to be goth. #WorldGothDay pic.twitter.com/ATahLoW0ip
— DC (@DCOfficial) May 22, 2018
Discovery Family pointed to one of Fluttershy’s more despondent moments from My Little Pony.
By far our favorite #Goth 👉🏻 #Fluttershy!!! #WorldGothDay pic.twitter.com/R8GuiSiThh
— Discovery Family (@discoveryfamily) May 22, 2018
Will Farrell’s Baron Nocturna sends his blackest regards.
Happy #WorldGothDay from Baron Nocturna, Underlord of The Infernal pic.twitter.com/vsxqmGAevg
— Funny Or Die (@funnyordie) May 22, 2018
Ironically, Hot Topic did not join in the dark festivities. We would say that brands celebrated World Goth Day, but that’s not very Goth. They have, however, taken part in other social media holidays like Dinosaur Day and Caramel Day.